Search Results (60)

Background: Central precocious puberty (CPP), defined as the onset of secondary sexual characteristics before age 8 in girls, is increasingly prevalent worldwide. CPP is often caused by early activation of the HPG axis, leading to accelerated growth and bone maturation. However, the diagnostic accuracy of standard bone age (BA) methods remains uncertain in this context. Objective: To compare the diagnostic accuracy of the Greulich–Pyle atlas (GPA) and Tanner–Whitehouse 3 (TW3) methods in estimating skeletal age in girls with CPP and to assess the predictive value of serum hormone levels for estimating chronological age (CA). Methods: An observational, cross-sectional diagnostic study was conducted, involving n = 109 girls aged 6–12 years with confirmed CPP (Ethics Committee approval: CHUC_2023_86; 13 July 2023). Left posteroanterior hand–wrist (PA–HW) radiographs were assessed using the GPA and TW3 methods. Anthropometric measurements were recorded, and serum concentrations of estradiol, LH, FSH, DHEA-S, cortisol, TSH, and free T4 were obtained. Comparisons between CA and BA estimates were conducted using repeated-measures ANOVA, and ANCOVA was applied to examine the hormonal predictors of CA. Results: Both GPA and TW3 overestimated CA between 7 and 12 years, with the GPA showing larger deviations (up to 4.8 months). The TW3 method provided more accurate estimations, particularly at advanced pubertal stages. Estradiol (η²_p = 0.188–0.197), LH (η²_p = 0.061–0.068), and FSH (η²_p = 0.008–0.023) emerged as the strongest endocrine predictors of CA, significantly enhancing the explanatory power of both radiological methods. Conclusions: The TW3 method demonstrated superior diagnostic accuracy over GPA in girls with CPP, especially between 7 and 12 years. Integrating estradiol, LH, and FSH into BA assessment significantly improved the accuracy, supporting a more individualized and physiologically grounded diagnostic approach. Full article

In West Africa, there is a very close link between the phenomenon of trafficking and migrant smuggling. This article will analyze the pressure elements and the causes that drive sub-Saharan people to migrate, placing themselves in the hands of criminal networks that end up exploiting them—women and minors sexually, and men through forced labor. The main corridors departing from West Africa and the characteristics of the criminal groups exercising criminal governance will also be addressed. This research has used both primary and secondary sources, as well as empirical fieldwork consisting of interviews with security force officials, international humanitarian aid organizations, and academic experts on migration issues related to trafficking and smuggling. Our research reveals that the origin of migration is multifactorial. The violence experienced in West Africa, but also the misgovernance, the lack of opportunities for a very young population with limited prospects, and the human insecurity affecting the entire region, are the main reasons that compel people to migrate. In these migration processes, the safety of migrants is compromised as they are forced to start their journey through clandestine means, which exposes them to trafficking networks and thus to violence and exploitation. It is along the migration routes where trafficking and migrant smuggling converge. Full article

Kallmann syndrome (KS) is a form of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH) characterized by gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) deficiency and anosmia due to defective neuronal migration. While traditionally considered irreversible, cases of spontaneous improvement of HH have been reported, suggesting residual GnRH neuronal function in some individuals. We present a case of a 29-year-old man with KS who exhibited spontaneous recovery of endogenous testosterone production following the cessation of long-term androgen therapy without the use of alternative hormonal agents. After ceasing testosterone therapy for several months, the patient’s total testosterone levels normalized (407–424 ng/dL), accompanied by increased secondary sexual characteristics, stable gonadotropin levels, and normal testicular volume. Persistent anosmia was noted, suggesting that restoration of reproductive endocrine function can occur independently of olfactory recovery. Genetic testing identified heterozygous mutations in PCSK1 and HS6ST1, genes implicated in GnRH regulation and KS pathogenesis. This case highlights the potential role of genetic variation in spontaneous HH improvement and underscores the need for individualized management strategies, including periodic reassessment of gonadal function and fertility potential. Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms driving spontaneous HH improvement, identify predictive biomarkers of reversibility, and explore therapeutic strategies that may promote endogenous GnRH activity in select patients with KS. Full article

(1) Background: Parasites can significantly impact growth, reproductive success, and the development of secondary sexual characteristics in various species. Our study investigated the effect of gastrointestinal and lungworm parasite infections on the total annual horn growth of male bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis canadensis) in Sheep River Provincial Park, Alberta, Canada. (2) Methods: We collected fecal samples of individually marked male bighorns over two years to investigate parasite egg and oocyst numbers and parasite diversity in feces, and how these could potentially affect their annual horn growth. (3) Results: We found that parasite species richness, year, age class, and the interaction between age class and species richness were significant predictors of horn growth, while individual parasite species did not have a significant effect. Notably, parasite species richness positively affected horn growth in young males, whereas it did not predict horn growth in adult and old males. (4) Conclusions: One possible explanation is that young males might prioritize resources for body and horn growth, potentially at the expense of immunity or parasite resistance. Our finding contradicts the idea of parasite-mediated sexual selection, where traits like bright plumage signal good health and parasite resistance. Full article

Precocious puberty, defined as the onset of secondary sexual characteristics before age 8 in girls, presents a diagnostic challenge in distinguishing between normal variants and pathological conditions requiring intervention. Central precocious puberty (CPP) results from early activation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis, whereas peripheral precocious puberty (PPP) arises from excess sex steroid production independent of gonadotropins. Benign variants, including premature thelarche and premature adrenarche, require careful differentiation to prevent unnecessary treatment. This review explores the physiological mechanisms governing puberty, the epidemiological trends influencing its early onset, and the genetic and environmental factors contributing to its variability in female children. A structured diagnostic approach incorporating clinical evaluation, hormone assessments, imaging studies, and genetic insights is discussed. Management strategies vary depending on the etiology, with gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogs recommended for CPP and targeted therapies for PPP. In contrast, benign variants often necessitate observation and periodic follow-up. Given the increasing prevalence of early puberty, further research is essential to refine diagnostic thresholds and optimize treatment protocols. Early and accurate identification of precocious puberty ensures appropriate intervention, mitigating potential risks associated with early maturation, including compromised adult height and psychosocial challenges. Full article

Sexual selection is a major driver of speciation and evolution, with mate choice being a key component. Individuals assess mate quality by integrating various mating cues. The Western mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis), a species exhibiting pronounced sexual dimorphism in body size and secondary sexual traits, serves as an ideal model for studying mate choice. This study examines the impact of mating cues on mate choice in different sexes of G. affinis through a combination of morphological parameter database construction, computer-simulated animations, and dichotomous association preference tests. The results showed that male gonopodium status significantly affects female mate choice. Females exhibited a preference for males with resting-phase gonopodia, suggesting their aversion to forced copulation and sexual harassment in coercive mating systems. Furthermore, males preferred younger females, with this preference being positively correlated with male body size. This suggests that males are sensitive to sperm competition intensity and may base their choice on social rank. Geometric morphometric analysis and simulation experiments showed that males preferred females with larger gravid spots, regardless of age, suggesting that gravid spot size reflects female fecundity. Male preference for younger females with streamlined bodies and smaller abdomens was significant, but body size did not affect mate choice in general. Our findings highlight that female and male G. affinis employ different mate choice strategies, with females prioritizing male harassment avoidance and males considering multiple mating cues, not solely one dominant characteristic, in their mate choice decisions. These findings demonstrate that mate choice in G. affinis involves balancing conflicting preferences for traits associated with reduced harassment risk (e.g., resting-phase gonopodium in males) and those linked to reproductive potential (e.g., large gravid spot in females), highlighting the nuanced decision-making processes in both sexes. Full article

Precocious puberty (PP) is characterized by the early onset of secondary sexual characteristics and accelerated growth, which often result in compromised adult height (AH). Central precocious puberty (CPP), a subset of PP, is treated with gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogs (GnRHa) to suppress premature hormonal activation and delay epiphyseal closure, thereby preserving height potential. The present review examined the effects of GnRHa on AH outcomes in girls with idiopathic CPP. Although AH is greater with GnRHa therapy than without it, the treatment does not consistently restore the patient’s genetic potential. The benefits of the treatment are most evident in girls in whom idiopathic CPP is diagnosed before 6 years of age and they achieve a height gain of 4.5–14.1 cm, which is unattainable without treatment. However, the treatment of older children (ages 6–8) shows conflicting results, with the AH outcome varying among previous reports. In particular, slowly progressive CPP is known to have a favorable height prognosis even without treatment. Another factor influencing the AH prognosis is the timing of GnRHa discontinuation; the best time to discontinue GnRHa therapy for the best AH outcome is reportedly the bone age of approximately 12 years. In conclusion, although GnRHa therapy significantly improves the AH, especially in early-onset CPP, its effectiveness is uncertain in borderline or late-onset cases. Further research is required to formulate more precise criteria for patient selection and treatment discontinuation to optimize height outcome in girls with idiopathic CPP. Full article

Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the pubertal development in school-age children with obesity and to explore the body composition and lifestyle behaviors influencing its onset. Method: We enrolled 217 children, aged 6–12 years, who visited the Pediatrics Department at Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, Capital Medical University. All participants underwent a series of examinations. These assessments included body composition analysis, measurement of blood glucose and fasting insulin levels, and evaluation of secondary sexual characteristics. Statistical analysis was conducted using R4.0.3 software. Results: Of the 152 male participants, 83 (54.6%) were in the adolescent-undeveloped group, and 69 (45.4%) were in the adolescent-developed group. Of the 119 female students, 30 (25.2%) were in the adolescent-undeveloped group, and 89 (74.8%) were in the adolescent-developed group. In a comparative analysis of children, those in the adolescent development group exhibited significantly higher values for age, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), BMI-z score, body fat, muscle mass, fat-free weight, fat-free body mass index, and waist/hip ratio compared to the adolescent-undeveloped group (p < 0.05). Additionally, fasting insulin and insulin resistance index were also higher in the development group, with statistical significance observed. BMI emerged as an independent factor affecting the adolescent development of school-age girls with obesity (p < 0.05). Among boys in the adolescent development group, the consumption of sugary drinks and fried food was higher than in the undeveloped group, and moderate-intensity exercise was significantly lower, with statistical significance (p < 0.05). In girls, the adolescent development group reported longer daily sitting times and higher intakes of sugary drinks and fried foods compared to the undeveloped group, with these differences being statistically significant (p < 0.05). The consumption of fried food was positively correlated with adolescent development in children with obesity and was identified as an independent influencing factor of adolescent development (p < 0.05). Conclusions: A high body mass index (BMI) in girls with obesity and high intake of fried foods in both genders are strong predictors of early puberty in school-age children. Full article

Background/Objectives: Central precocious puberty (CPP) is defined by the premature onset of secondary sexual characteristics prior to the age of 8 and 9 years in girls and boys, respectively. The administration of GnRH analogs (GnRH-a) has become a cornerstone in the management of CPP, but effects on metabolic processes, particularly body mass index (BMI), remain a subject of ongoing investigation. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between GnRH-a treatment and BMI changes in a cohort of Italian children with CPP. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 34 girls with idiopathic CPP, all treated with GnRH-a. Anthropometric parameters including BMI were collected at three time points: baseline, one year after treatment, and one year after treatment cessation. A comprehensive review of the medical literature concerning GnRH-a and BMI was performed. Results: Statistical analysis using the Wilcoxon and McNemar tests revealed a significant increase in BMI-for-age z-scores after one year of GnRH-a, with a slight increase also observed one year post-treatment of CPP. These findings suggest that GnRH-a treatment contributes to an increase in BMI, particularly in CPP children with a normal weight at baseline, although the overall impact on the progression of obesity remains minimal. A review of the existing literature supports the notion that changes in BMI during GnRH-a treatment are influenced by various factors, including baseline BMI, gender, and metabolic processes. Conclusions: Despite our findings suggesting the potential impact of GnRH-a on BMI, further longitudinal studies are necessary to fully understand the long-term metabolic consequences of GnRH-a therapy in children with CPP. Full article

Aspergillus carbonarius is considered one of the main fungi responsible for black and sour rot in grapes, as well as the production of the carcinogenic mycotoxin ochratoxin A. The global regulatory methyltransferase protein LaeA controls the production of various secondary metabolites in Aspergillus species, as well as influences sexual and asexual reproduction and morphology. The goal of this study was to investigate the role of the regulatory gene AclaeA in physiology, virulence, and ochratoxin A (OTA) production by deleting this gene from the genome of a wild-type A. carbonarius strain. The evaluation data on the morphological characteristics, virulence experiments in three different grape varieties, and OTA analysis of ΔAclaeA mutants showed that the growth and the OTA production by ΔAclaeA strains were significantly reduced. The mutant strains were also less virulent, producing 40–50% less conidia in three different cultivars of grape berries. Additionally, the gene AclaeA was considerably repressed after the application of three commercial biopesticides (Trianum-P^®, Vacciplant^®, and Serenade^® Max) and the essential oils (EOs) cinnamon, geranium, and thyme, which were also shown to inhibit OTA biosynthesis in A. carbonarius. The study of the regulatory gene AclaeA can contribute to a broader understanding of the role of secondary metabolites during A. carbonarius—grape interactions, as well as the discovery of the mode of action of biological plant protection products and EOs against this mycotoxigenic fungus. Full article

Hormone blockers are defined as substances that suppress the release of sex hormones, thus inhibiting the development of secondary sexual characteristics in teenagers. There is currently an increase in young people seeking healthcare services due to a mismatch between their birth-assigned gender and their perceived or self-identified gender. In early childhood, individuals are not usually affected by their physical appearance. Dysphoria may arise during the initial stages of adolescence and if the self-perceived gender does not align with the external appearance. This may have a negative impact on adolescents’ mental health. Could the use of hormone blockers have a positive effect on mental health? The primary objective of this review is to assess whether the use of hormone blockers can have positive effects on the mental health of transgender youth. The review also seeks to evaluate the usage of hormone blockers and the diagnosis of gender dysphoria. A literature search of scientific evidence was conducted across various databases—PUBMED, CUIDEN, ELSEVIER, COCHRANE, DIMENSIONS, SCIELO, PSYCINFO, and CINAHL—alongside a review of the latest publications in high-impact scientific journals and the gray literature. The following terms were used: <trans people>, <hormone blockers>, <depression>, <anxiety>, <teenagers>, <trans teens>, and <dysphoria>. A time period was specified, covering the last ten years (2014–2024). The initial search identified a total of 290 references, which were subsequently narrowed down to 5 studies, with 1 additional study retrieved through other methods. The literature findings are clear. They show that the use of hormone blockers in transgender adolescents can be beneficial, as a reduction in mental health issues was observed during and after their use. Mental healthcare in transgender teenagers is of crucial importance to their physical, psychological, social, and academic spheres. It is also very important for their families. Nurses must be aware of this knowledge to improve the care provided to these individuals and their families during the difficult time surrounding decisions about the use of hormone blockers. Full article

The development of smart agriculture has become a critical issue for the future of smart cities, with large-scale management of aquaculture posing numerous challenges. Particularly in the fish farming industry, producing single-sex fingerlings (especially male fingerlings) is crucial for enhancing rearing efficiency and could even provide key support in addressing future global food demands. However, traditional methods of manually selecting the gender of broodfish rely heavily on experienced technicians, are labor-intensive and time-consuming, and present significant bottlenecks in improving production efficiency, thus limiting the capacity and sustainable development potential of fish farms. In response to this situation, this study has developed an intelligent identification system based on the You Only Look Once (YOLO) artificial intelligence (AI) model, specifically designed for analyzing secondary sexual characteristics and gender screening in farmed fish. Through this system, farmers can quickly photograph the fish’s cloaca using a mobile phone, and AI technology is then used to perform real-time gender identification. The study involved two phases of training with different sample sets: in the first phase, the AI model was trained on a single batch of images with varying parameter conditions. In the second phase, additional sample data were introduced to improve generalization. The results of the study show that the system achieved an identification accuracy of over 95% even in complex farming environments, significantly reducing the labor costs and physical strain associated with traditional screening operations and greatly improving the production efficiency of breeding facilities. This research not only has the potential to overcome existing technological bottlenecks but also may become an essential tool for smart aquaculture. As the system continues to be refined, it is expected to be applicable across the entire life cycle management of fish, including gender screening during the growth phase, thereby enabling a more efficient production and management model. This not only provides an opportunity for technological upgrades in the aquaculture industry but also promotes the sustainable development of aquaculture. The smart aquaculture solution proposed in this study demonstrates the immense potential of applying AI technology to the aquaculture industry and offers strong support for global food security and the construction of smart cities. Full article

Castration is often employed in animal management for reproductive control. However, it is important to evaluate its impact on animal welfare. In this study, we developed rat models for both surgical (n = 6) and GnRH immunocastration (n = 6) to assess the effects of these castration methods on physiological and behavioral characteristics. The novel GnRH-based vaccine significantly increased serum GnRH antibody levels and drastically reduced testosterone, with the testes shrinking to one-fifth the size of those in the control group, thereby halting spermatogenesis at the secondary spermatocyte stage. Behavioral evaluations demonstrated that sexual behavior was significantly suppressed in both surgically and immunologically castrated groups compared to the control, confirming the effectiveness of both methods. However, psychological tests revealed significant signs of depression and social deficits in the surgically castrated group, whereas the behavior of the GnRH-immunocastrated group did not significantly differ from the control. Furthermore, no significant differences in learning and memory were observed among the three groups in the water maze test. Compared to surgical castration, GnRH immunocastration offers effective results and better animal welfare, providing a more humane alternative for livestock management. Full article

We examine the distribution, habitat association, morphometrics, meristics, and reproductive attributes of Amblyraja radiata over much of its Canadian range, Grand Banks to Arctic waters. It is distributed widely on the shelf and upper slope between 30 and 1288 m, reaching highest density in 100–400 m and occupying most available temperatures, between −1.0 and 8.8 °C, but concentrating in 1.6–3.5 °C. The maximum (and average) size decreases with increasing latitude in a continuum from 102 cm (55 cm) in the south, to 45 cm (20 cm) in the north. The proportion of mature fish increases with depth (40% at 0–50 m to 80% at 1150–1200 m) and temperature (35% at <0 °C to 55% at 5+ °C). The size at maturity decreases south to north; size at onset of maturity in males—43 (south) to 19 (north) cm, in females—49 to 23 cm; length at 50% maturity in males—74 to 44 cm, in females—66 to 40 cm. A. radiata maturity is also reflected in the rapid increase in the size of secondary sexual characteristics. Some meristics were consistent over the entire study area (spines near the spiracles and shoulders) while others varied with latitude (teeth rows, midline spines, spines near the eyes, % dorsal fins joined, spines between dorsal fins) or by fish length/maturity; the tail length/total length as a proportion of total length decreased during Stage 1 then increased at onset of maturity. Full article

Bullying and cyberbullying significantly threaten the development and mental health of both victims and perpetrators. This study aimed to analyze the associations between socioeconomic characteristics, personal experiences of violence, perceived social support from peers, and acceptance of violence and (cyber)bullying perpetration. The study involved 1146 secondary school students, consisting of 698 females and 448 males, aged 13 to 16. Prevalence ratios (PRs) were calculated using Poisson regression with robust variance. The results indicated that 12.32% of girls and 18.97% of boys reported engaging in bullying and/or cyberbullying. The likelihood of perpetration was lower among adolescents who had not experienced physical and/or sexual abuse before age 15, but higher among those in romantic relationships who had been victims of dating violence or had experienced (cyber)bullying victimization. Additionally, perceived social support from classmates was associated with a lower likelihood of becoming a perpetrator, whereas acceptance of violence was positively associated with (cyber)bullying perpetration. Preventing adolescents from becoming perpetrators of bullying and/or cyberbullying requires early intervention to prevent all forms of violence in childhood and adolescence, as well as bolstering personal and environmental resources by providing social support. Full article