Early onset of enamel formation in Baka pygmy's deciduous canines.

OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to evaluate by enamel microstructure analysis two hypotheses that would explain the early dental eruption in the Bakaparticularity, a shorter crown formation time and/or earlier onset of crown formation. DESIGN: Deciduous canines corresponds to the best teeth to perform the analysis of enamel microstructure. Longitudinal ground sections of 21 deciduous canines from 12 individuals were studied with transmitted light microscopy. Cross-striations, striaes of Retzius (SR) and the neonatal line (NNL) enable to establish the prenatal crown formation time (preCFT), the postnatal crown formation time (postCFT), the crown formation time (CFT) as well as the daily secretion rate (DSR) and the enamel extension rate (EER) and their variation along crown formation. RESULTS: The DSR and the EER in the Baka are similar than in other populations with an average DSR of 3.26 µm and EER of 18.18 µm. The preCFT was 154 days, the postCFT 265 days and CFT 419 days. Comparison with other population does not show difference in CFT. However, the preCFT and the postCFT differ, the first is higher and the second lower in the Baka than in other populations. Furthermore, the number of prenatal areas of enamel was greater in the Baka. CONCLUSION: Our analysis suggests that the Baka does not distinguish by a different CFT but the onset of crown formation is earlier than in other groups. Therefore, the early dental eruption in the Baka results from an earlier onset of crown formation.

The endocrine phenotype induced by paediatric adrenocortical tumours is age- and sex-dependent.

CONTEXT: Adrenocortical carcinomas are very rare malignancies in childhood associated with poor outcome in advanced disease. Most adrenocortical tumours (ACT) are functional causing signs and symptoms of adrenal hormone excess. In most studies, endocrine manifestations were reported 4-6 months prior to diagnosis. OBJECTIVE: We seeked to extend our knowledge on endocrine manifestations with regard to age and sex to facilitate early diagnosis. DESIGN/SETTINGS/PATIENTS: We retrospectively analysed features of adrenal hormone excess in children and adolescents with ACT registered with the GPOH-MET studies between 1997 and 2022. Stage of puberty was defined as `prepubertal` in females <8 years of age and males <9 years. RESULTS: By December 2022, 155 patients (110 female, 45 male) with data on endocrine manifestations had been reported. Median age at ACT diagnosis was 4.2 years [0.1-17.8], median interval from first symptoms 4.2 months [0-90.7]. In 63 females of prepubertal age pubarche (68.3%), clitoral hypertrophy (49.2%), and weight gain (31.7%) were most frequently reported, in 47 pubertal female excessive pubic hair (46.8%), acne (36.2%), and hypertension (36.2%). Leading symptoms in 34 males of prepubertal age were pubarche (55.9%), penile growth (47.1%), and acne (32.4%) and in 11 pubertal males, weight gain (45.5%), hypertension (36.4%), excessive pubic hair (27.3%), and cushingoid appearance (27.3%). In pubertal patients, symptoms of androgen excess were mainly unrecognized as part of pubertal development while symptoms of Cushing's syndrome were more frequently apparent. CONCLUSIONS: The endocrine phenotype induced by paediatric ACT is age- and sex-dependent.

Genetic correlation estimates between calving ease in primiparous cows and economically important traits in Nellore cattle.

This study aimed to estimate (co)variance components and genetic parameters for calving ease (CE) and their genetic correlations with growth, reproductive, carcass, and feed efficiency traits in Nellore cattle. Phenotypes for CE are scored in two categories: normal calving and assisted calving. The traits considered were probability of precocious calving, age at first calving, stayability, adjusted scrotal circumference at 365 days of age, accumulated cow productivity, age at puberty of males, gestation length, birth weight, adjusted weights at 210 and 450 days of age, adult cow weight, frame score, hip height, rib eye area, subcutaneous backfat thickness, rump fat thickness, intramuscular fat percentage, residual feed intake and dry matter intake. The estimation of genetic parameters was performed using a two-trait threshold-linear animal model, except for CE, stayability, and probability of precocious calving, which were evaluated through a two-trait threshold animal model. The direct (0.27) and maternal (0.19) heritability estimates for CE in heifers primiparous Nellore indicated that selecting for this trait is feasible. The selection to improve the female sexual precocity should consider CE during the selection and mating decisions to reduce calving problems. Genetic correlation estimates between CE and BW suggest that selecting low birth weight to reduce calving problems is not an appropriate strategy to improve calving ease in heifers Nellore. Therefore, adopting a multi-trait selection model with CE and BW in the Nellore breed would reduce calving difficulties, particularly in sexually precocious heifers, without impairing the growth, reproductive, feed efficiency conversion, and carcass indicator traits.

Guinea Pig Sperm Morphology and Fertility under Different Photoperiod.

Sperm morphology can predict the reproductive male fertilizing potential. This study aimed to determine the morphological and morphometric spermatozoa characteristics from guinea pigs subjected to different photoperiodic stimulation. Thirty F1 guinea pigs were randomly assigned to three photoperiodic treatments: FT1 (photoperiod with 10 Light/14 Dark LED light), FT2 (photoperiod with 10L/14D sunlight), and FT0 (room without direct light source). At 107 ± 9.8 days of age, sperm concentration and motility were higher in the FT0 and FT1 groups (p < 0.05); furthermore, there were no differences in nucleus length and ellipticity between the FT0 and FT1 groups, but the sperm of the FT1 group was higher in perimeter and nuclear area, while that of the FT0 group was higher in roughness, regularity, midpiece length, and tail (p < 0.01). Expanding acrosome (Type 2) was more frequent in the FT2 group, but there was variation in head measurements between all morphological categories. Pregnancy rate, calving age, and mating age were higher in the FT0 group; meanwhile, the FT1 group initiated successful matings earlier (p < 0.01). The FT0 group had a higher fertility rate, and the age of mating and first calving were earlier in the FT1 group than the FT0 group, but no pregnancies were reported for the FT2 group. Photoperiodic stimulation can increase the morphometric dimensions of guinea pig spermatozoa, favoring the reproductive characteristics, but sunlight could reduce their size due to heat stress.

[Acupuncture combined with auricular point sticking for girls aged 3-8 years with incomplete precocious puberty: a randomized controlled trial].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the efficacy and safety of acupuncture combined with auricular point sticking for girls aged 3-8 years with incomplete precocious puberty (IPP). METHODS: Sixty girls with IPP were randomly divided into an observation group (30 cases, 2 cases dropped off) and a control group (30 cases, 2 cases were eliminated). The girls in the control group were treated with healthy diet and proper exercise for 12 weeks. On the basis of the treatment in the control group, the girls in the observation group were treated with acupuncture combined with auricular point sticking. The acupuncture was applied at Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Guanyuan (CV 4), Guilai (ST 29), etc., the needles were retained for 20 min, acupuncture was given twice a week (once every 3 days). The auricular point sticking was applied at Luanchao (TF2), Neishengzhiqi (TF2), Neifenmi (CO18), Yuanzhong (AT2,3,4i), etc., twice a week. The treatment was given for 12 weeks. Before treatment, after treatment and in follow-up after 12 weeks of treatment completion, the Tanner stage of breast, serum contents of sex hormone (luteinizing hormone [LH], follicle-stimulating hormone [FSH], estradiol [E2]) were observed. The ovarian volume, the number of follicles with diameter>4 mm, and the uterine volume were measured by abdominal color Doppler ultrasound. In addition, the safety of the observation group was evaluated. RESULTS: Compared with before treatment, the Tanner stage of breast in the observation group was improved after treatment and in follow-up (P<0.05); after treatment and in follow-up, the Tanner stage of breast in the observation group was better than that in the control group (P<0.05). Compared with before treatment, the serum levels of LH and E2 in the observation group were increased (P<0.05), and the volume of bilateral ovaries was larger (P<0.05) in follow-up. Compared with before treatment, the serum contents of LH, FSH and E2 in the control group were increased (P<0.05), the volume of bilateral ovaries was larger (P<0.05), and the number of follicles was increased (P<0.05) after treatment and in follow-up. The serum levels of LH, FSH and E2 in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05), the volume of bilateral ovaries was smaller than that in the control group (P<0.05), and the number of follicles was lower than that in the control group (P<0.05). Compared with before treatment, the uterine volume in the two groups was larger in follow-up (P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups after treatment and in follow-up (P>0.05). During the treatment, 3 cases in the observation group had slight abdominal pain and subcutaneous blood stasis, without serious adverse reactions. CONCLUSION: Acupuncture combined with auricular point sticking could improve the Tanner stage of breast, reduce the level of sex hormone, slow down the development and maturation of ovary and follicle, and control the degree and speed of sexual development in girls aged 3-8 years with IPP.

Integrated Analysis of Transcriptomics and Metabolomics Unveil the Novel Insight of One-Year-Old Precocious Mechanism in the Chinese Mitten Crab, Eriocheir sinensis.

Eriocheir sinensis is traditionally a native high-value crab that is widely distributed in eastern Asia, and the precocity is considered the bottleneck problem affecting the development of the industry. The precocious E. sinensis is defined as a crab that reaches complete sexual maturation during the first year of its lifespan rather than as normally in the second year. However, the exact regulatory mechanisms underlying the precocity are still unclear to date. This study is the first to explore the mechanism of precocity with transcriptome-metabolome association analysis between the precocious and normal sexually mature E. sinensis. Our results indicated that the phenylalanine metabolism (map00360) and neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction (map04080) pathways play an important role in the precocity in the ovary of E. sinensis. In map00360, the predicted aromatic-L-amino-acid decarboxylase and 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase isoform X1 genes and the phenethylamine, phenylethyl alcohol, trans-2-hydroxycinnamate, and L-tyrosine metabolites were all down-regulated in the ovary of the precocious E. sinensis. The map04080 was the common KEGG pathway in the ovary and hepatopancreas between the precocious and normal crab. In the ovary, the predicted growth hormone secretagogue receptor type 1 gene was up-regulated, and the L-glutamate metabolite was down-regulated in the precocious E. sinensis. In the hepatopancreas, the predicted forkhead box protein I2 gene and taurine metabolite were up-regulated and the the L-glutamate metabolite was down-regulated in the precocious crab. There was no common pathway in the testis. Numerous common pathways in the hepatopancreas between male precocious and normal crab were identified. The specific amino acids, fatty acids and flavorful nucleotide (inosine monophosphate (MP), cytidine MP, adenosine MP, uridine MP, and guanosine MP) contents in the hepatopancreas and gonads further confirmed the above omics results. Our results suggest that the phenylalanine metabolism may affect the ovarian development by changing the contents of the neurotransmitter and tyrosine. The neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction pathway may affect the growth by changing the expressions of related genes and affect the umami taste of the gonads and hepatopancreas through the differences of L-glutamate metabolite in the precocious E. sinensis. The results provided valuable and novel insights on the precocious mechanism and may have a significant impact on the development of the E. sinensis aquaculture industry.

Effect of sires' expected progeny difference for scrotal circumference and juvenile ADG on the puberty of crossbred beef heifers.

The early attainment of puberty in heifers is essential for the profitability of the cow-calf farm. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of juvenile average daily gain (ADG) and sire's expected progeny difference (EPD) on puberty of crossbred beef heifers. Sixty Angus × Nellore heifers early weaned (age = 102 ± 4.3 d; initial BW = 103 ± 4.7 kg) were used in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. The factor 1 was the sire's EPD for scrotal circumference, in which heifers born from sires with positive EPD were considered precocious (P), and heifers born from sires with negative EPD were considered non-precocious (NP). The factor 2 was the high (HG; ADG = 0.9 kg; ad libitum) and medium ADG (MG; ADG = 0.7 kg) from 3rd to 7th month of age (1st phase). After 1st phase until puberty, all heifers were fed ad libitum (2nd phase). Statistical analysis was performed by SAS. There was an interaction between factors for DMI in the 1st phase (P = 0.02), which PHG heifers had higher DMI than NPHG. There was no effect on puberty rate, BW, age and BCS at puberty comparing HG vs. MG. However, favorable sires' EPD for scrotal circumference induced a higher proportion of puberty (P 87% vs. NP 59%) at 15 months of age. Thus, the ADG in juvenile age did not affect puberty rate, but sires with positive EPD increased puberty rate of Angus × Nellore heifers in heifers fed a high gain diet.

Genetic parameters for various semen production and quality traits and indicators of male and female reproductive performance in Nellore cattle.

BACKGROUND: Given the economic relevance of fertility and reproductive traits for the beef cattle industry, investigating their genetic background and developing effective breeding strategies are paramount. Considering their late and sex-dependent phenotypic expression, genomic information can contribute to speed up the rates of genetic progress per year. In this context, the main objectives of this study were to estimate variance components and genetic parameters, including heritability and genetic correlations, for fertility, female precocity, and semen production and quality (andrological attributes) traits in Nellore cattle incorporating genomic information. RESULTS: The heritability estimates of semen quality traits were low-to-moderate, while moderate-to-high estimates were observed for semen morphological traits. The heritability of semen defects ranged from low (0.04 for minor semen defects) to moderate (0.30 for total semen defects). For seminal aspect (SMN_ASPC) and bull reproductive fitness (BULL_FIT), low (0.19) and high (0.69) heritabilities were observed, respectively. The heritability estimates for female reproductive traits ranged from 0.16 to 0.39 for rebreeding of precocious females (REBA) and probability of pregnancy at 14 months (PP14), respectively. Semen quality traits were highly genetically correlated among themselves. Moderate-to-high genetic correlations were observed between the ability to remain productive in the herd until four years of age (stayability; STAY) and the other reproductive traits, indicating that selection for female reproductive performance will indirectly contribute to increasing fertility rates. High genetic correlations between BULL_FIT and female reproductive traits related to precocity (REBA and PP14) and STAY were observed. The genetic correlations between semen quality and spermatic morphology with female reproductive traits ranged from -0.22 (REBA and scrotal circumference) to 0.48 (REBA and sperm vigor). In addition, the genetic correlations between REBA with semen quality traits ranged from -0.23 to 0.48, and with the spermatic morphology traits it ranged from -0.22 to 0.19. CONCLUSIONS: All male and female fertility and reproduction traits evaluated are heritable and can be improved through direct genetic or genomic selection. Selection for better sperm quality will positively influence the fertility and precocity of Nellore females. The findings of this study will serve as background information for designing breeding programs for genetically improving semen production and quality and reproductive performance in Nellore cattle.

Advancing tree genomics to future proof next generation orchard production.

The challenges facing tree orchard production in the coming years will be largely driven by changes in the climate affecting the sustainability of farming practices in specific geographical regions. Identifying key traits that enable tree crops to modify their growth to varying environmental conditions and taking advantage of new crop improvement opportunities and technologies will ensure the tree crop industry remains viable and profitable into the future. In this review article we 1) outline climate and sustainability challenges relevant to horticultural tree crop industries, 2) describe key tree crop traits targeted for improvement in agroecosystem productivity and resilience to environmental change, and 3) discuss existing and emerging genomic technologies that provide opportunities for industries to future proof the next generation of orchards.

Age at first calving and productive performance of primiparous Holsteins.

This study investigated the age at first calving in Holstein heifers and its impact on various production parameters. A sample of 737 Holstein heifers born between 2015 and 2018 and finishing their first lactations between 2018 and 2020 was included. Cluster analysis revealed three groups based on age at first calving: high precocity, medium precocity and low precocity. Medium-precocity group exhibited the highest 305-day milk yield and peak milk production. Additionally, the same group demonstrated superior mean production per lactation, 305-day milk protein content, and 305-day milk yield. The lowest somatic cell count was found in the low-precocity group. In conclusion, medium-precocity cows showed better results such as higher 305-day milk yield and peak milk production.

Acupuncture combined with auricular point sticking for girls aged 3-8 years with incomplete precocious puberty: a randomized controlled trial / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the efficacy and safety of acupuncture combined with auricular point sticking for girls aged 3-8 years with incomplete precocious puberty (IPP).@*METHODS@#Sixty girls with IPP were randomly divided into an observation group (30 cases, 2 cases dropped off) and a control group (30 cases, 2 cases were eliminated). The girls in the control group were treated with healthy diet and proper exercise for 12 weeks. On the basis of the treatment in the control group, the girls in the observation group were treated with acupuncture combined with auricular point sticking. The acupuncture was applied at Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Guanyuan (CV 4), Guilai (ST 29), etc., the needles were retained for 20 min, acupuncture was given twice a week (once every 3 days). The auricular point sticking was applied at Luanchao (TF2), Neishengzhiqi (TF2), Neifenmi (CO18), Yuanzhong (AT2,3,4i), etc., twice a week. The treatment was given for 12 weeks. Before treatment, after treatment and in follow-up after 12 weeks of treatment completion, the Tanner stage of breast, serum contents of sex hormone (luteinizing hormone [LH], follicle-stimulating hormone [FSH], estradiol [E2]) were observed. The ovarian volume, the number of follicles with diameter>4 mm, and the uterine volume were measured by abdominal color Doppler ultrasound. In addition, the safety of the observation group was evaluated.@*RESULTS@#Compared with before treatment, the Tanner stage of breast in the observation group was improved after treatment and in follow-up (P<0.05); after treatment and in follow-up, the Tanner stage of breast in the observation group was better than that in the control group (P<0.05). Compared with before treatment, the serum levels of LH and E2 in the observation group were increased (P<0.05), and the volume of bilateral ovaries was larger (P<0.05) in follow-up. Compared with before treatment, the serum contents of LH, FSH and E2 in the control group were increased (P<0.05), the volume of bilateral ovaries was larger (P<0.05), and the number of follicles was increased (P<0.05) after treatment and in follow-up. The serum levels of LH, FSH and E2 in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05), the volume of bilateral ovaries was smaller than that in the control group (P<0.05), and the number of follicles was lower than that in the control group (P<0.05). Compared with before treatment, the uterine volume in the two groups was larger in follow-up (P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups after treatment and in follow-up (P>0.05). During the treatment, 3 cases in the observation group had slight abdominal pain and subcutaneous blood stasis, without serious adverse reactions.@*CONCLUSION@#Acupuncture combined with auricular point sticking could improve the Tanner stage of breast, reduce the level of sex hormone, slow down the development and maturation of ovary and follicle, and control the degree and speed of sexual development in girls aged 3-8 years with IPP.

Ultrasound evaluation of fetal bone development in the collared (Pecari tajacu) and white-lipped peccary (Tayassu pecari).

The study of fetal development allows for evaluating the different strategies adopted by mammal species to maximize neonatal survival. Autonomous locomotion is fundamental for newborns to perform foraging activities and increases newborn survival from predation. In this study, we assess the gestational bone development of 53 collared (CP, Pecari tajacu) and 61 white-lipped (WLP, Tayassu pecari) peccaries, collected through the collaboration of subsistence hunters in the Amazon. The bone mineralization and biometry of the axial and appendicular skeleton were assessed by ultrasound examinations, and the timing of the main bone developmental events was calculated in relation to the total dorsal length (TDL) and the percentage of the total gestational period (GP). The first US signs of mineralization of the axial skeleton in CP and WLP were observed in fetuses with 3.4 cm (42 gestation days, 30% GPCP ) and 5.1 cm (51 gestation days, 32% GPWLP ). The early development of the appendicular skeleton was observed by the synchronic appearance of the mineralized scapula, humerus, radius, ulna, ilium, ischium, femur, tibia, and fibula at 36% GPCP (50 gestation days), and 35% GPWLP (56 gestation days). The pubis was mineralized in fetuses at 55% GPCP (75 gestation days) and 59% GPWLP (94 gestation days). The mineralization was observed in all autopod bones at 79% GPCP (109 gestation days) and 67% GPWLP (106 gestation days). All primary ossification centers in long bones of thoracic and pelvic limbs were mineralized in advanced fetuses (GPCP and GPWLP ≥75%). The mineralized patella was not observed in advanced fetuses in either species. Secondary ossification centers first appeared at the distal epiphysis of the femur in the CP (99 gestation days, 72% GPCP ) and the distal epiphysis of the radius, femur, and tibia in the WLP (106 gestation days, 67% GPWLP ). Advanced fetuses of CP and WLP presented 60% (15/25) and 68% (17/25) of the total secondary ossification centers observed present in the adult domestic pig, while newborns from the domestic pig presented 52% (13/25). The early intrauterine development of the skeletal system in both peccary species suggests a precocial development strategy, which likely correlates with neonatal ability to escape predators and reduces the dependence on parental care.

Clinical, Virological and Immunological Responses after Experimental Infection with African Horse Sickness Virus Serotype 9 in Immunologically Naïve and Vaccinated Horses.

This study described the clinical, virological, and serological responses of immunologically naïve and vaccinated horses to African horse sickness virus (AHSV) serotype 9. Naïve horses developed a clinical picture resembling the cardiac form of African horse sickness. This was characterized by inappetence, reduced activity, and hyperthermia leading to lethargy and immobility-recumbency by days 9-10 post-infection, an end-point criteria for euthanasia. After challenge, unvaccinated horses were viremic from days 3 or 4 post-infection till euthanasia, as detected by serogroup-specific (GS) real time RT-PCR (rRT-PCR) and virus isolation. Virus isolation, antigen ELISA, and GS-rRT-PCR also demonstrated high sensitivity in the post-mortem detection of the pathogen. After infection, serogroup-specific VP7 antibodies were undetectable by blocking ELISA (b-ELISA) in 2 out of 3 unvaccinated horses during the course of the disease (9-10 dpi). Vaccinated horses did not show significant side effects post-vaccination and were largely asymptomatic after the AHSV-9 challenge. VP7-specific antibodies could not be detected by the b-ELISA until day 21 and day 30 post-inoculation, respectively. Virus neutralizing antibody titres were low or even undetectable for specific serotypes in the vaccinated horses. Virus isolation and GS-rRT-PCR detected the presence of AHSV vaccine strains genomes and infectious vaccine virus after vaccination and challenge. This study established an experimental infection model of AHSV-9 in horses and characterized the main clinical, virological, and immunological parameters in both immunologically naïve and vaccinated horses using standardized bio-assays.

Genetic Variation in Flowering Traits of Tasmanian Leptospermum scoparium and Association with Provenance Home Site Climatic Factors.

Leptospermum scoparium is emerging as an economically important plant for the commercial production of manuka honey and essential oils, both exhibiting unique antibacterial attributes. To support its domestication this is the first quantitative genetic study of variation for L. scoparium traits. It utilised plants from 200 open-pollinated families derived from 40 native populations, from across the species range in Tasmania, grown in a common garden field trial. The traits studied were survival, growth, and the flowering traits precocity, the timing of seasonal peak flowering, flowering duration, and flowering intensity. Significant genetic variation was evident at the population level for all traits studied and at the family level for three traits-growth, flowering precocity, and time to peak flowering. These three traits had moderate to high narrow-sense heritability estimates ranging from 0.27 to 0.69. For six of the traits studied, population differences were associated with climate attributes at the locations where seed was collected, suggesting adaptation to the local climate may have contributed to the observed population differentiation. Population level geographical trends suggest that genotypes to focus on for domestication originate from the eastern half of Tasmania for precociousness and the western half of Tasmania for earlier time to peak flowering and extended flowering duration.

Transformation of Peripheral Sexual Precocity to Central Sexual Precocity Following Treatment of Granulosa Cell Tumor of the Ovary.

Juvenile granulosa cell tumor leading to isosexual peripheral precocious puberty is a well-known association. Here, we report a rare case of central precocious puberty secondary to granulosa cell tumor of the ovary. A five-year and five-month-old girl presented with a history of progressive enlargement of bilateral breasts and intermittent vaginal spotting, associated with growth acceleration. Elevated estradiol and suppressed serum follicle-stimulating hormone were found on investigation. Additionally, abdominal and pelvic ultrasonography was suggestive of a right ovarian mass, which proved to be a juvenile granulosa cell tumor on histopathology and immunohistochemistry, leading to a diagnosis of peripheral precocious puberty secondary to granulosa cell tumor of the ovary. One and a half years after resection of the tumor, secondary sexual characteristics progressed with regression of tumor markers, and no mass was noted on ultrasonography, leading to the suspicion of central precocious puberty. Pubertal basal luteinizing hormone (LH) and elevated triptorelin-stimulated LH confirmed the diagnosis of central precocious puberty secondary to granulosa cell tumor of the ovary.

Feminizing adrenocortical oncocytoma presenting as precocious puberty: a case report and literature review.

OBJECTIVES: Feminizing adrenal tumors are rare in childhood. We present a case of a special category of adrenal tumor, an oncocytoma, causing isosexual peripheral precocity. CASE PRESENTATION: A 4-year old girl presented with breast development and menstrual bleeding over a period of 3-4 months. Her SMR staging was breast stage 4, pubic hair stage 3. Her bone age was advanced (6 year 10 months), stimulated LH 0.7 IU/L, estradiol 206 pmol/L and DHEAS >27.1 micromol/L. CT scan revealed a right adrenal mass with features of atypical adrenal adenoma. Laparoscopic adrenalectomy was done and histopathology revealed oncocytoma. Lin-Weiss-Bisceglia criteria classified it as likely benign, borne out till a 2 year follow up. CONCLUSIONS: Adrenal oncocytoma can be a cause of isosexual peripheral precocity in a young girl. Recognition and correct classification of this histological variant, which is more often benign, is important for prognostication and choice of therapy after surgery.

Phenotypic differences for growth, feed efficiency, and age of first calving of Brazilian zebu females.

This study investigated phenotypic differences of zebu females from four breeds using variables of growth, feed efficiency, and age at first calving. Weights throughout the life were recorded, and a growth curve was fitted using the Gompertz model. The growth was also evaluated at standardized ages (205, 365, and 550 days) using the body weight and the total and daily weight gains. The Kleiber index and age at first calving were used as measures of feed efficiency and sexual precocity, respectively, totaling 25 variables. New variables were created using the factor analysis and used in new multivariate analyzes. Only six factors explained 95.41% of the total variance and were used for the subsequent analyses. The factors were defined as maturity, precocity, feed efficiency postweaning, feed efficiency post 1 year of age, puberty, and birth weight. There were differences between breeds according to the multivariate analysis of variance. Each breed appeared in a quadrant on the Biplot graph, showing relationship with different factors, demonstrating the diversity of zebu females. There is a difference in growth, feed efficiency, and sexual precocity in Brazilian zebu females, allowing the identification of potentials of the animals and help breeders and decision-makers.

Genetic study of quantitative traits supports the use of Guzerá as dual-purpose cattle.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to estimate genetic parameters for 305-day cumulative milk yield and components, growth, and reproductive traits in Guzerá cattle. METHODS: The evaluated traits were 305-day first-lactation cumulative yields (kg) of milk (MY305), fat (FY305), protein (PY305), lactose (LY305), and total solids (SY305); age at first calving (AFC) in days; adjusted scrotal perimeter (cm) at the ages of 365 (SP365) and 450 (SP450) days; and adjusted body weight (kg) at the ages of 210 (W210), 365 (W365), and 450 (W450) days. The (co)variance components were estimated using the restricted maximum likelihood method for single-trait, bi-trait and tri-trait analyses. Contemporary groups and additive genetic effects were included in the general mixed model. Maternal genetic and permanent environmental effects were also included for W210. RESULTS: The direct heritability estimates ranged from 0.16 (W210) to 0.32 (MY305). The maternal heritability estimate for W210 was 0.03. Genetic correlation estimates among milk production traits and growth traits ranged from 0.92 to 0.99 and from 0.92 to 0.99, respectively. For milk production and growth traits, the genetic correlations ranged from 0.33 to 0.56. The genetic correlations among AFC and all other traits were negative (-0.43 to -0.27). Scrotal perimeter traits and body weights showed genetic correlations ranging from 0.41 to 0.46, and scrotal perimeter and milk production traits showed genetic correlations ranging from 0.11 to 0.30. The phenotypic correlations were similar in direction (same sign) and lower than the corresponding genetic correlations. CONCLUSION: These results suggest the viability and potential of joint selection for dairy and beef traits in Guzerá cattle, taking into account reproductive traits.

Hormone-Responsive BMP Signaling Expands Myoepithelial Cell Lineages and Prevents Alveolar Precocity in Mammary Gland.

Myoepithelial and luminal cells synergistically expand in the mammary gland during pregnancy, and this process is precisely governed by hormone-related signaling pathways. The bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling pathway is now known to play crucial roles in all organ systems. However, the functions of BMP signaling in the mammary gland remain unclear. Here, we found that BMPR1a is upregulated by hormone-induced Sp1 at pregnancy. Using a doxycycline (Dox)-inducible BMPR1a conditional knockout mouse model, we demonstrated that loss of BMPR1a in myoepithelium results in compromised myoepithelial integrity, reduced mammary stem cells and precocious alveolar differentiation during pregnancy. Mechanistically, BMPR1a regulates the expression of p63 and Slug, two key regulators of myoepithelial maintenance, through pSmad1/5-Smad4 complexes, and consequently activate P-cadherin during pregnancy. Furthermore, we observed that loss of BMPR1a in myoepithelium results in the upregulation of a secreted protein Spp1 that could account for the precocious alveolar differentiation in luminal layer, suggesting a defective basal-to-luminal paracrine signaling mechanism. Collectively, these findings identify a novel role of BMP signaling in maintaining the identity of myoepithelial cells and suppressing precocious alveolar formation.

Identification of novel candidate genes for age at first calving in Nellore cows using a SNP chip specifically developed for Bos taurus indicus cattle.

The age at first calving has a great economic impact on the beef cattle system and calving at 24 months is an objective of selection for a more efficient herd. However, an age at first calving around 36 months has been observed for Nellore cattle in Brazil. Thus, a genome-wide association study (GWAS) was carried out with 8376 records of age at first calving and 3239 animals genotyped with the GGP-Indicus 35K, which has been developed specifically for Bos taurus indicus. The weighted single-step genomic best linear unbiased prediction method was used, with adjacent SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) in genomic windows of 1.0 Mb. After quality control, 3239 (2161 males and 1078 females) animals genotyped for 30,519 SNPs were used in GWAS analysis. The average and standard deviation of age at first calving were 1041.7 and 140.6 days, respectively. The heritability estimate was 0.10 ± 0.02. The GWAS analysis found seven genomic regions in BTA1, 2, 5, 12, 18, 21, and 24, which explained a total of 11.24% of the additive genetic variance of age at first calving. In these regions were found 62 protein coding genes, and the genes HSD17B2, SERPINA14, SERPINA1, SERPINA5, STAT1, NFATC1, ATP9B, CTDP1, THPO, ECE2, PSMD2, EIF4G1, EIF2B2, DVL3, POLR2H, TMTC2, and GPC6 are possible candidates for age at first birth due their function. Moreover, two molecular functions ("serine-type endopeptidase inhibitor activity" and "negative regulation of endopeptidase activity") were significant, which depend on several serpin genes. The use of a SNP chip developed especially for Bos taurus indicus allowed to find genomic regions for age at first calving, which are close to QTLs previously reported for other reproduction-related traits. Future studies can reveal the causal variants and their effects on reproductive precocity of Nellore cows.