Reduction In Linear Growth Research Articles

Potassium Sorbate Postharvest Treatment to Control Penicillium spp. Molds and Maintain Quality of ‘Wonderful’ Pomegranates and ‘Anna’ Apples during Cold Storage

This study was carried out for two successive seasons 2020 and 2021 in order to evaluate the efficiency dipping of Wonderful pomegranate and Anna apple fruits in potassium sorbate (K-sorb.) at 3% / 2 min to maintain fruit quality and control postharvest diseases caused by Penicillium spp. ( P. italicum and P. sp.) during cold storage. Fruits were stored at 5°C and 85-90% RH for 75 days. The reduction in linear growth was correlated to the increase in potassium sorbate concentrations. Potassium sorbet at 0.06% concentration gave the maximum inhibition of the linear growth of Penicillium spp. Also, the application of potassium sorbate showed the best results in reducing the deterioration of various physical and chemical characteristics of ‘Wonderful’ pomegranate and ‘Anna’ apple fruits during cold storage and extending its storability. Potassium sorbate treatments mitigated the incidence of fruit decay and successfully decreased fruit weight loss and increased SSC: TA ratio, the total phenolic content, and activities of peroxidase and catalase enzymes relative to the control treatment.

Control of Apple Fruit Rot Caused by Alternaria porri and Alternaria mali by Using Hot Water Treatment and Some Inorganic Salts

Apple rot is one of the most important apple diseases worldwide. The disease causes significant losses in both the quantity and quality of apple fruits. In this study, the antifungal activity of hot water treatment and salts were investigated against apple fruit rots caused by Alternaria porri and Alternaria mali. Linear growth of tested fungi was inhibited at 5ºC, however, growth was increased by increasing storage temperature degree from 15ºC to 25ºC and decreased at 35ºC. On the other hand, hot water treatment at 55ºC significantly reduced the decay index and severity of infection. When salts such as potassium bicarbonate (KCO3), calcium chloride (CaCl2), sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) and ammonium bicarbonate (NH4CO3) was applied, a significant reduction in linear growth and fruit rot incidence was noticed using potassium bicarbonate. Calcium chloride, ammonium bicarbonate and sodium bicarbonate greatly inhibited growth of A. porri and A. mali. The most effective inhibitor of fruit decay was potassium bicarbonate and calcium chloride.

Linear growth and systemic glucocorticoid therapy in children with systemic lupus erythematosus

Background The use of long-term oral glucocorticoid therapy, specifically in the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), has increased in the past two decades. Chronic glucocorticoid use may lead to a linear growth disturbances.
 Objective To determine the association between linear growth and systemic glucocorticoid therapy in pediatric SLE patients.
 Methods This retrospective cohort study used medical record data of pediatric SLE patients. All subjects received systemic glucocorticoids. The linear growth parameters recorded in this study were height-for-age z-score (HAZ) and height velocity at 0, 6, and 12 months of treatment. We recorded potential risk factors of linear growth disturbance, such as pubertal status, sex, SLE severity, pulse methylprednisolone use, daily glucocorticoid dose, and nutritional status.
 Results Of 42 patients with SLE, 83.3% were female, with a mean age of 13 years at diagnosis. Eighteen subjects (42.9%) experienced abnormal height velocity. There was a significant reduction in HAZ between 0, 6, and 12 months of treatment (P=0.016). Between 0 and 6 months of treatment, there was a mean HAZ decrease of 0.11 (P=0.015). There was a trend towards a risk for decreased HAZ at 6 and 12 months of treatment with pulse methylprednisolone (RR 1.25 and 1.27, respectively), as well as for abnormal height velocity (RR 1.73), but they did not reach statistical significance.
 Conclusion There is a reduction in linear growth in the first 12 months of systemic glucocorticoid therapy in children with SLE. Administration of systemic glucocorticoid significantly reduced HAZ in the first six months of therapy.

Seasonal controls on the diet, metabolic activity, tissue reserves and growth of the cold-water coral Lophelia pertusa

Vast cold-water coral (CWC) reefs occur in temperate regions, where strong seasonality in temperature and light leads to a short but highly productive spring period. How CWCs respond physiologically to this strong seasonal forcing remains unclear, due to the remoteness of their deep-sea habitats. In an in situ transplantation study at Nakken reef, Norway, we investigated a full seasonal cycle of (1) temperature and food availability, (2) diet, (3) biomass and tissue reserves, (4) oxygen consumption and (5) linear growth of the reef-building coral Lophelia pertusa. All investigated variables showed a distinct seasonality. An increase in the organic carbon and amino acid content, linear extension and budding rate from February to late May, at a simultaneous increase in phytoplankton and zooplankton fatty acid trophic markers (FATMs), and δ15N-derived trophic level, indicates an efficient exploitation of the spring phytoplankton and the subsequent zooplankton bloom. A pool of neutral-lipid-derived fatty acids, indicative of energy storage and gametogenesis, was formed from May to October, accompanied by increased oxygen consumption, i.e. metabolic activity. In late autumn and early winter (October–December), tissue reserves were maintained, in spite of low sPOM and zooplankton food availability, and the lower tissue δ13C and higher contribution of bacterial FATMs suggest increased reliance on more degraded material. The concurrent reduction in linear growth further suggests a lower energy availability at this time of the year. A large (> 50%) drop of all tissue pools between December and February coincided with the spawning season of L. pertusa and demonstrates a high energetic cost of reproduction. Our results show for the first time a strong seasonal control of critical life history traits such as growth patterns and timing of reproduction in this prominent deep-sea species.

Disruption of glucocorticoid signaling in chondrocytes delays metaphyseal fracture healing but does not affect normal cartilage and bone development

States of glucocorticoid excess are associated with defects in chondrocyte function. Most prominently there is a reduction in linear growth but delayed healing of fractures that require endochondral ossification to also occur. In contrast, little is known about the role of endogenous glucocorticoids in chondrocyte function. As glucocorticoids exert their cellular actions through the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), we aimed to elucidate the role of endogenous glucocorticoids in chondrocyte function in vivo through characterization of tamoxifen-inducible chondrocyte-specific GR knockout (chGRKO) mice in which the GR was deleted at various post-natal ages. Knee joint architecture, cartilage structure, growth plates, intervertebral discs, long bone length and bone micro-architecture were similar in chGRKO and control mice at all ages. Analysis of fracture healing in chGRKO and control mice demonstrated that in metaphyseal fractures, chGRKO mice formed a larger cartilaginous callus at 1 and 2week post-surgery, as well as a smaller amount of well-mineralized bony callus at the fracture site 4week post-surgery, when compared to control mice. In contrast, chondrocyte-specific GR knockout did not affect diaphyseal fracture healing. We conclude that endogenous GC signaling in chondrocytes plays an important role during metaphyseal fracture healing but is not essential for normal long bone growth.

Serum aminoterminal proctype natriuretic peptide in girls with idiopathic central precocious puberty during GNRHA treatment

The mechanism of linear growth reduction during GnRHa treatment in central precocious puberty has not been elucidated.

Tolerance of eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) seedlings to stress factors

The aim of the present study was to describe eggplant (<i>Solanum melongena</i> L.) tolerance to stress factors in the seedling stage as a basis for future studies on cross-tolerance to other stressors in subsequent stages of growth. After germination (3 days / 26<sup>o</sup>C), ‘Epic F<sub>1</sub>’ seedlings were exposed to chilling stress (3, 6 and 9<sup>o</sup>C × 48 h<sup>-1</sup>), heat stress (35, 40 and 45<sup>o</sup>C × 2 h<sup>-1</sup>), osmotic stress (mannitol 0.2; 0.6 and 1.0 M x 2 h<sup>-1</sup>), and oxidative stress (H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> 0.2; 0.4 and 0.6 M × 2 h<sup>-1</sup>). A linear measurement of seedling radicle growth, electrolyte leakage and external symptoms of radicle damage under the stress conditions, compared to the non-stressed control, were analyzed. It was found that stressors in all experimental combinations caused a morphological and physiological response from eggplant seedlings. A significant reduction in linear growth of radicles, showed as an absolute length and as a percentage of the control, was found in the treatments exposed to chilling stress (3 and 6<sup>o</sup>C), heat stress (35, 40 and 45<sup>o</sup>C), osmotic stress (0.2, 0.6 and 1.0 M mannitol) as well as oxidative stress (0.2, 0.4 and 0.6 M H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub>). The changes in seedling length as a result of stress factors did not always correspond with the changes in seedling mass. Electrolyte leakage in the treatments exposed to the following stressors: 3 and 6<sup>o</sup>C as well as 0.6 M H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub>, was significantly greater than that observed in control plants. Based on the obtained results and microscopic observations of radicle damage, the following stressors can be identified as those which cause a physiological response without severe damage: 9<sup>o</sup>C × 48 h<sup>-1</sup> (chilling stress), 35<sup>o</sup>C × 2 h<sup>-1</sup> (heat stress), 0.2 M mannitol × 2 h<sup>-1</sup> (osmoticum), and H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> 0.2 M × 2 h<sup>-1</sup> (oxidation factor). We propose these stressors as a basis for future studies on plant acclimation and hardening to other stresses.

No effect of fluticasone propionate on linear growth in preschool children with asthma

Eighty percent of asthmatic children develop asthma symptoms by the age of 5 years. Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), depending on dosage, may cause linear growth reduction and adrenal gland suppression. There are few studies about linear growth of preschool children with asthma. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether there is any effect of fluticasone propionate (FP) on linear growth and adrenal gland function. Twenty-eight children aged 18-52 months with persistent asthma receiving ICS FP 100-200 µg daily were studied for 1 year. Patients were divided into two groups according to clinical parameters: well (group 1) and poorly controlled (group 2). Height was measured every 3 months and expressed as height standard deviation score (SDS). Cumulative dose of FP expressed in mg was calculated for every patient. Early morning levels of serum adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol were assessed at the beginning and at the end of the study. Patients took FP for an average of 11 months in group 1 and 16 months in group 2, which was not statistically significantly different. At the end of the study height SDS difference was -0.0143 in group 1 and -0.2000 in group 2, which was not statistically significantly different (t= 0.6072, P= 0.5489). There was also no statistically significant difference for average cortisol (P= 0.4381) or ACTH (P= 0.5845) concentration at the end of the study. FP 100-200 µg daily had no effect on linear growth or on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal gland axis but further follow up is necessary.

Effect of orange essential oil and its constitutes on late blight disease of potato plants under field conditions

Late blight caused by Phytophthora infestans is the most important disease attacking potato plants. Four concentrations of essential oils i.e. 0.0, 1.25, 2.5, 5.0 and 7.5 ml/l of Orange, Citral, Methyl antranate (MA), and Terbinol were tested for controlling late blight disease. Results indicate that all treatments except orange oil have an inhibitory effect against the linear growth of P. infestans. Complete reduction in linear growth was obtained with Citral and MA at concentrations of 5.0 and 7.5 ml/l. Other treatments showed moderate effect against P. infestans. In greenhouse experiments, results indicate that all treatments have protective and therapeutic effects against late blight disease except Orange oil which has a protective effect only. High reduction was obtained with Citral and MA at concentrations of 2.5 and 5.0 ml/l which reduced the disease severity by more than 77.1 and 62.8% when applied as protective and therapeutic treatments respectively. Moderate effect was obtained with orange oil and Citral at concentration of 7.5 ml/l for both treatments which reduced the disease severity by more than 65.7% when applied as protective treatments. Similar results were obtained under field coditions; results indicate that all treatments reduced the late blight severity during two growing seasons. High reduction was obtained with Citral and MA at concentrations of 2.5 and 5.0 ml/l which reduced the disease severity by more than 80.0%. As for potato yield, results indicate that all treatments increased potato yield during two growing seasons. A high increase was obtained with Citral and MA at concentrations of 2.5 and 5.0 ml/l which increased the potato yield by more than 59.1%. Other treatments showed a moderate increase. It could be suggested that some essential oils of citrus or their constituents might be used for controlling late blight disease potato plants under field conditions.

Circulating levels of IGF-1 directly regulate bone growth and density

IGF-1 is a growth-promoting polypeptide that is essential for normal growth and development. In serum, the majority of the IGFs exist in a 150-kDa complex including the IGF molecule, IGF binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3), and the acid labile subunit (ALS). This complex prolongs the half-life of serum IGFs and facilitates their endocrine actions. Liver IGF-1–deficient (LID) mice and ALS knockout (ALSKO) mice exhibited relatively normal growth and development, despite having 75% and 65% reductions in serum IGF-1 levels, respectively. Double gene disrupted mice were generated by crossing LID+ALSKO mice. These mice exhibited further reductions in serum IGF-1 levels and a significant reduction in linear growth. The proximal growth plates of the tibiae of LID+ALSKO mice were smaller in total height as well as in the height of the proliferative and hypertrophic zones of chondrocytes. There was also a 10% decrease in bone mineral density and a greater than 35% decrease in periosteal circumference and cortical thickness in these mice. IGF-1 treatment for 4 weeks restored the total height of the proximal growth plate of the tibia. Thus, the double gene disruption LID+ALSKO mouse model demonstrates that a threshold concentration of circulating IGF-1 is necessary for normal bone growth and suggests that IGF-1, IGFBP-3, and ALS play a prominent role in the pathophysiology of osteoporosis.

Circulating levels of IGF-1 directly regulate bone growth and density.

IGF-1 is a growth-promoting polypeptide that is essential for normal growth and development. In serum, the majority of the IGFs exist in a 150-kDa complex including the IGF molecule, IGF binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3), and the acid labile subunit (ALS). This complex prolongs the half-life of serum IGFs and facilitates their endocrine actions. Liver IGF-1-deficient (LID) mice and ALS knockout (ALSKO) mice exhibited relatively normal growth and development, despite having 75% and 65% reductions in serum IGF-1 levels, respectively. Double gene disrupted mice were generated by crossing LID+ALSKO mice. These mice exhibited further reductions in serum IGF-1 levels and a significant reduction in linear growth. The proximal growth plates of the tibiae of LID+ALSKO mice were smaller in total height as well as in the height of the proliferative and hypertrophic zones of chondrocytes. There was also a 10% decrease in bone mineral density and a greater than 35% decrease in periosteal circumference and cortical thickness in these mice. IGF-1 treatment for 4 weeks restored the total height of the proximal growth plate of the tibia. Thus, the double gene disruption LID+ALSKO mouse model demonstrates that a threshold concentration of circulating IGF-1 is necessary for normal bone growth and suggests that IGF-1, IGFBP-3, and ALS play a prominent role in the pathophysiology of osteoporosis.

Circulating levels of IGF-1 directly regulate bone growth and density

IGF-1 is a growth-promoting polypeptide that is essential for normal growth and development. In serum, the majority of the IGFs exist in a 150-kDa complex including the IGF molecule, IGF binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3), and the acid labile subunit (ALS). This complex prolongs the half-life of serum IGFs and facilitates their endocrine actions. Liver IGF-1–deficient (LID) mice and ALS knockout (ALSKO) mice exhibited relatively normal growth and development, despite having 75% and 65% reductions in serum IGF-1 levels, respectively. Double gene disrupted mice were generated by crossing LID+ALSKO mice. These mice exhibited further reductions in serum IGF-1 levels and a significant reduction in linear growth. The proximal growth plates of the tibiae of LID+ALSKO mice were smaller in total height as well as in the height of the proliferative and hypertrophic zones of chondrocytes. There was also a 10% decrease in bone mineral density and a greater than 35% decrease in periosteal circumference and cortical thickness in these mice. IGF-1 treatment for 4 weeks restored the total height of the proximal growth plate of the tibia. Thus, the double gene disruption LID+ALSKO mouse model demonstrates that a threshold concentration of circulating IGF-1 is necessary for normal bone growth and suggests that IGF-1, IGFBP-3, and ALS play a prominent role in the pathophysiology of osteoporosis.

Involvement of the skeletal GH-IGF system in an experimental model of diabetes-induced growth retardation.

Uncontrolled diabetes is associated with growth retardation. We investigated the effect of insulin-dependent diabetes on animal growth and IGF-I gene expression in the epiphyseal growth plate region of the long bones. We also studied the effect of GH administration on somatic growth in the diabetic state. Streptozotocin (STZ)-injected diabetic rats had a decreased somatic growth rate in comparison to controls. GH administration (2.5 U/kg day) in the diabetic animals (DGH group) prevented this decrease. Serum IGF-I levels were decreased in both diabetic and DGH animals. Within 72 h from diabetes onset, IGF-I mRNA levels in epiphyseal growth plate homogenates decreased whereas IGF-I receptor mRNA levels increased in diabetic animals. The decrease in IGF-I mRNA transcript levels was localized to the metaphyseal region by in situ hybridization. We conclude that in the STZ-induced diabetic state, the reduction in linear growth is associated with a parallel decrease in IGF-I gene expression at the epiphyseal growth plate area. Diabetic growth retardation can be reversed with GH administration, which does not reconstitute serum IGF-I levels. Therefore, we speculate that GH in this model may act locally through the skeletal GH-IGF-I system.

Physical adaptation of children to life at high altitude

Children permanently exposed to hypoxia at altitudes of > 3000 m above sea level show a phenotypical form of adaptation. Under these environmental conditions, oxygen uptake in the lungs is enhanced by increases in ventilation, lung compliance, and pulmonary diffusion. Lung and thorax volumes in children growing up at high altitude are increased. The haemoglobin concentration in highlanders is elevated. With respect to the decreased arterial oxygen tension at high altitude, this seems a useful adaptation. Blood viscosity also increases as a result of the increase in red blood cell concentrations however, and this has potentially negative effects on the microcirculation in the tissues. The decreased partial pressure of oxygen in the lungs of highland children is associated with a higher pulmonary artery pressure. Pulmonary hypertension, high altitude pulmonary oedema, and chronic mountain sickness form part of the pathophysiology afflicting highland dwellers. Birth weight at high altitude is decreased. Decreased postnatal growth has been widely reported in populations at high altitude, particularly in early studies from the Andes. Recent studies taking into account the effects of socio-economic deprivation, suggest that long-term exposure to altitudes of 2500-3900 m is associated with a moderate reduction in linear growth in children.

Effect of exogenous corticosteroid therapy on growth in children with HBsAg-negative chronic aggressive hepatitis.

The effect of exogenous corticosteroid therapy on growth was studied in 12 patients with HBsAg-negative chronic aggressive hepatitis. All patients were less than 13 years of age at diagnosis and were free of cirrhosis. The patients' growth records were retrospectively reviewed for incremental growth changes while they were receiving daily prednisone and alternate-day prednisone, as well as for 1 year after the cessation of therapy. These values were compared with age-matched growth velocities in normal children. Daily steroid therapy was associated with a reduction in growth velocity (p less than 0.01). There was an acceleration in growth velocity during the period of alternate-day therapy, compared with predicted values (p less than 0.03), which persisted during the 1st year after therapy was discontinued (p less than 0.02). Nine of 12 patients crossed growth percentiles during steroid therapy. We have confirmed that daily steroid administration is associated with a reduction in linear growth, while alternate-day therapy has an apparent positive effect on growth, presumably through control of the underlying disease. The mechanism of this supranormal growth rate is unclear.

Effect of Exogenous Corticosteroid Therapy on Growth in Children with HBSAg‐Negative Chronic Aggressive Hepatitis

SummaryThe effect of exogenous corticosteroid therapy on growth was studied in 12 patients with HBS Agnegative chronic aggressive hepatitis. All patients were less than 13 years of age at diagnosis and were free of cirrhosis. The patients' growth records were retrospectively reviewed for incremental growth changes while they were receiving daily prednisone and alternate‐day prednisone, as well as for 1 year after the cessation of therapy. These values were compared with age‐matched growth velocities in normal children. Daily steroid therapy was associated with a reduction in growth velocity (p < 0.01). There was an acceleration in growth velocity during the period of alternate‐day therapy, compared with predicted values (p < 0.03), which persisted during the 1st year after therapy was discontinued (p < 0.02). Nine of 12 patients crossed growth percentiles during steroid therapy. We have confirmed that daily steroid administration is associated with a reduction in linear growth, while alternate‐day therapy has an apparent positive effect on growth, presumably through control of the underlying disease. The mechanism of this supranormal growth rate is unclear.

Dorsomedial hypothalamic lesions at weaning and ovariectomy after maturity: Somatic and metabolic changes

Weanling Sprague-Dawley rats received lesions in the dorsomedial hypothalamic nuclei or sham operations. Analysis of variance revealed a significant lesion-induced depression of body weight (BW) and food intake (FI). After sexual maturity, bilateral ovariectomy (OVX) and/or sham-ovariectomy (S-OVX) were performed in each of the above groups. OVX produced a significant increase in BW in both lesioned and non-lesioned rats without changes in food intake. Following DMN lesions efficiency of food utilization (EFU) was greater than normal and OVX caused a further significant increase, irrespective of hypothalamic manipulation. DMN lesions, as previously shown, were followed by a reduction in linear growth; subsequent OVX exerted a growth-promoting effect in both DMN-lesioned and sham-lesioned rats. However, OVX did not alter plasma growth hormone or insulin levels. When calculated on the basis of per gram tissue protein, DMN lesions significantly diminshed the incorporation of glucose into lipids of diaphragm and fat pad, but not of liver. DMN lesions had no effect on the incorporation of glucose into glycogen of diaphragm, fat pad or liver. OVX did not produce significant changes in lipogenesis from glucose or incorporation of glucose into glycogen in either sham-lesioned OVX or DMN-lesioned OVX rats. The data support the concept that increased weight gain following OVX can be attributed to factors other than increased food intake. They also support previous findings that DMN lesions lower the BW “settling point” (i.e., both lean body mass and fat commensurately). The data also suggest that the DMNL rat is responsive to various manipulations—in this case OVX—of the adipose tissue mass “settling point”.

Effects of 3-Indolylacetic Acid and 3-Indolylacetonitrile on the Growth of Excised Tomato Roots

The inhibition by IAA (3-indolylacetic acid) and by IAN (3-indolylacetonitrile) of the growth of excised tomato roots cultured for 7 days at 27° C. in a modified White's medium is described. 5×10−9 g./ml, IAA or 5×10−6 g./ml, IAN cause approx, 50 per cent, inhibition of the linear growth of the main axis. With IAA decrease in number of laterals closely parallels the decrease in linear growth of the main axis; with IAN reduction in linear growth of the main axis occurs at concentrations above 10−8 whereas number of laterals does not decrease until the concentration exceeds 10−6. Study of the course of cell elongation in the exodermal cells showed that in the standard medium and in media containing 5×10−9 IAA or 5×10−6 IAN the process takes about 7 hours; the final cell lengths in IAA and IAN media are lower than in standard medium owing to a slower rate of elongation. The decrease in linear growth of the main axis in presence of IAA could be accounted for by the decrease in cell length; this was not the case with IAN. The implications of this are considered. Determinations of the distance (mm.) between, and of the number of exodermal cells separating, the adjacent laterals in one orthostichy showed that IAN enhances the frequency of laterals whereas this is either unaffected or decreased by IAA. The enhancement of lateral frequency in IAN arises from shortening of the cells of the main axis and decrease in the number of cells separating adjacent laterals. The results are considered to support the view that IAN has effects on root growth different from those of IAA. Study of the degree of inhibition of main axis growth and of alterations in lateral frequency resulting from treatment with mixtures of IAA and IAN provided data which could also be most easily explained on this hypothesis.