Sexual Maturity Rating Research Articles

Evaluation of Serum Leptin Levels and Growth in Patients with β-Thalassaemia Major.

Background. Iron deposition in the body can damage the endocrine glands of patients with β-thalassaemia major (β-TM). Leptin plays a key role in the regulation of appetite, body fat mass, and endocrine function. Objectives. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between serum leptin and growth and pubertal development in patients with β-TM, as well as whether serum leptin can predict growth retardation and delayed puberty in these patients. Methods. Fifty β-TM patients (aged 8–20 years) and 75 age-matched healthy controls were recruited. Anthropometric data and sexual maturity ratings were assessed. Serum leptin was measured by ELISA. Results. Serum leptin levels were significantly lower in patients with β-TM than in healthy individuals (P < 0.001). Leptin levels were also significantly reduced in female patients with short stature (P < 0.002) and in patients who displayed delayed puberty (P = 0.032) compared to those with normal stature who had reached puberty. The sensitivity of leptin for predicting short stature and delayed puberty among patients was 84.6% and 92.3%, respectively. Conclusion. Low serum leptin is sensitive to predict short stature and significant in β-TM females only. This link could thus be used as a guide for further therapeutic or hormonal modulation.

Age and growth of the red-belied lizard, Darevskia parvula

In the present study, we investigated potential effects of some environmental climatic factors on life-history traits of twoDarevskia parvulapopulations located at different elevation sites and evaluated age, body size, SSD and growth rate results in these lizards. The age at maturity and longevity were found to be similar in both populations. Males of the highland population had significantly larger snout-vent length and older age than those of the lowland population. Although the mean ages of females were not significantly different between the two populations, the highland population had significantly larger snout-vent length than the lowland population. Considering all individuals (both males and females), we found that specimens from the population in the higher-elevation site had significantly larger snout-vent length and older age than those of the lower-elevation site. A low level of male-biased sexual size dimorphism was observed in both populations. The growth coefficient was lower in the high-elevation site than the lower elevation site. Growth rates were not significantly different between the populations. Our preliminary results indicate that although our studied populations were located at different elevation sites and had distinct climate, longevity, age at sexual maturity and growth rate results were similar. This may be a reason of the lower male-biased sexual size dimorphism in both populations.

An assessment of sexual maturation among school girls in Abakaliki Metropolis, Ebonyi State, South-East Nigeria.

Sexual maturation is an important milestone which starts between 8 and 14 years in girls. However, varying ages of onset of sexual maturation have been reported in different environments, with more recent studies showing earlier ages of onset in girls. There is therefore need to describe the sexual maturation of girls in each environment. A cross-sectional study of 6-18-year-old school girls in Abakaliki. One thousand one hundred and fifty-five girls were selected through multi-staged sampling. They were interviewed, and sexual maturation was assessed using breast and pubic hair development. Pubic hair development occurred earliest at a mean age of 9.87 ± 2.19 years. Breast development followed at a mean age of 10.53 ± 2.38 years. The mean age for menarche was 12.82 ± 1.29 years, which chronologically occurred between sexual maturity rating stages 3 and 4. Overweight/obesity was found to be correlated with an earlier age of onset of sexual maturation (P < 0.05). Participants belonging to the upper socioeconomic class also had earlier age of onset of sexual maturation (P < 0.05). Compared with earlier studies, positive secular trend for earlier maturation was found using pubic hair development, breast development and menarche as markers of onset of maturation. Against the background of the present findings of a continuing secular trend of earlier sexual maturation in Igbo girls, there is a need to provide relevant information to parents/guardians and to reduce puberty-related anxiety. This will go a long way in improving quality of parental support for adolescents during this crucial period.

Modified STOP-Bang Tool for Stratifying Obstructive Sleep Apnea Risk in Adolescent Children.

PurposeObstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is prevalent in children and diagnostic polysomnography is costly and not readily available in all areas. We developed a pediatric modification of a commonly used adult clinical prediction tool for stratifying the risk of OSA and the need for polysomnography.MethodsA total of 312 children (age 9–17 years) from phase 2 of the Tucson Children’s Assessment of Sleep Apnea cohort study, with complete anthropomorphic data, parent questionnaires, and home polysomnograms were included. An adolescent modification of STOP-Bang (teen STOP-Bang) was developed and included snoring, tired, observed apnea, blood pressure ≥ 95th percentile, BMI > 95th percentile, academic problems, neck circumference >95th percentile for age, and male gender. An apnea-hypopnea index ≥ 1.5 events/hour was considered diagnostic of OSA.ResultsReceiver Operator Characteristic (ROC) curves for parent-reported STOP-Bang scores were generated for teenage and pre-teen children. A STOP-Bang score of < 3 in teenagers was associated with a negative predictive value of 0.96. ROC curves were also generated based upon child-reported sexual maturity rating (SMR; n = 291). The ability of teen STOP-Bang to discriminate the presence or absence of OSA as measured by the AUC for children with SMR ≥ 4 (0.83; 95%CI 0.71–0.95) was better than children with SMR < 4 (0.63; 95%CI 0.46–0.81; p = 0.048).ConclusionsIn community dwelling adolescents, teen STOP-Bang may be useful in stratifying the risk of OSA.

Peculiarities of Sensory-Motor Response in Girls of 14-17 Years with Different Rates of Sexual Maturation

Peculiarities of Sensory-Motor Response in Girls of 14-17 Years with Different Rates of Sexual Maturation

Season of birth influences the timing of first menstruation.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the month of birth influences the maturation rate of Polish females from two birth cohorts, namely 1982-1984 and 1992-1994. It was also verified whether socioeconomic status (SES) is capable of altering the above relationship. The research material consisted of data collected in two cross-sectional surveys. The first cohort involved 1,008 female secondary-school students, the second, 671 female university students. Information on subjects' date of birth, SES, and the age at menarche was obtained from a questionnaire. The subjects were divided into four groups, according to the month of birth: born in spring (III-V), born in summer (VI-VIII), born in autumn (IX-XI), and born in winter (XII-II). Next, the subjects were divided into two groups: born in summer months (VI-VIII) and born in the other months (IX-V). In the first cohort, subjects born in the summer reach menarche significantly earlier than subjects born in other seasons. The same tendency was noticeable in subjects born in the years 1992-1994; however, the differences were not statistically significant. In both cohorts, girls born in summer months had their first menstruation at a younger age than girls born in other months. The difference in age at menarche between season/months was also seen after dividing the data into uniform groups in terms of SES. The present data suggest that the season of birth influences sexual maturation rate in women.

Case 2: A Midline Lumbosacral Mass

A 39-week-male infant is born to a 35-year-old, gravida 4 now para 4 mother whose pregnancy is uncomplicated. He is born by spontaneous vaginal delivery at an outside hospital, and no resuscitation is required. Apgar scores are 9 and 9 at 1 and 5 minutes, respectively. Birth weight, occipital circumference, and length are all in the 90th percentile. On initial examination, there is a 4 × 5-cm midline mass at the level of the lumbosacral spine (Figure 1). The mass is well circumscribed, has a smooth surface except for the protruding ‘tail,” is covered by normal skin, is not pulsatile, and slips under the palpating finger. Protruding from the mass is a 1-cm-long skin tag. He moves all 4 extremities spontaneously. Tone in the legs is normal, and deep tendon reflexes in the lower extremities are 2+. He withdraws all extremities to pain. The findings of the rest of the neurologic examination, including cranial nerves and motor examination, are normal. His anus is patent with normal sphincter tone and a normal anal reflex (anal wink is present). He has a sexual maturity rating of 1 for male genitalia, and both testes are palpable. The remainder of the examination findings are unremarkable. He is transferred to a neonatal intensive care unit for further evaluation and management. He has voided and stooled before transport. An additional bedside test gives a clue to the diagnosis. Figure 1. Lumbosacral mass with appendage. ### Diagnosis The differential diagnosis of a midline lumbosacral mass includes sacrococcygeal teratoma with or without the Currarino triad, hemangioma, spinal hamartoma, congenital ependymoma, caudal regression syndrome, and occult spinal dysraphism (OSD). Our patient lacks obvious anorectal …

Suppression and restoration of primordial germ cell marker gene expression in channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, using knockdown constructs regulated by copper transport protein gene promoters: Potential for reversible transgenic sterilization

Complementary DNA overexpression and short hairpin RNA interference approaches were evaluated for decreasing expression of primordial germ cell (PGC) marker genes and thereby sterilizing channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, by delivering knockdown constructs driven by a constitutive promoter from yeast and a copper transport protein gene into fish embryos by electroporation. Two PGC marker genes, nanos and dead end, were the target knockdown genes, and their expressions, along with that of an off-target gene, vasa, were evaluated temporally using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Copper sulfate was evaluated as a repressor compound. Some of the constructs knocked down PGC marker gene expression, and some of the constructs were partially repressed by application of 0.1-ppm copper sulfate. When the rate of sexual maturity was compared for three-year-old broodfish that had been exposed to the sterilizing constructs during embryologic development and controls that had not been exposed, several treatments had reduced sexual maturity for the exposed fish. Of two promoter systems evaluated, the one which had been designed to be less sensitive to copper generally was more effective at achieving sterilization and more responsive to repression. Knockdown constructs based on 3′ nanos short hairpin RNA interference appeared to result in the best repression and restoration of normal sexual maturity. We conclude that these copper-based systems exhibited good potential for repressible transgenic sterilization. Optimization of this system could allow environmentally safe application of transgenic technology and might be applicable to other applications for aquatic organisms.

Suboptimal nutrient balancing despite dietary choice in glucose-averse German cockroaches, Blattella germanica

Insects have evolved fine-tuned gustatory and post-ingestive physiological mechanisms that enable them to self-select an optimal composition of macronutrients. Their ability to forage optimally among multiple food sources and maximize fitness parameters depends on their ability not only to taste and perceive the nutritional value of potential foods but also to avoid deleterious components; the strength of such avoidance should reflect the severity of the perceived hazard. In German cockroaches (Blattella germanica), glucose aversion has evolved in some populations in response to anthropogenic selection with glucose-containing insecticidal baits. In four feeding treatments, we gave newly eclosed glucose-averse female cockroaches free choice to feed from two artificial, nutritionally complementary foods varying in protein and carbohydrate composition, with glucose or fructose as the sole carbohydrate source in either food. After 6days of feeding, we measured diet consumption and the length of basal oocytes as an estimate of sexual maturation. The females did not compromise on their aversion to glucose in order to balance their protein and carbohydrate intake, and experienced lower sexual maturation rates as a consequence. Nutrient specific hunger via feedback mechanisms, and adjustments to gustatory sensitivity thus do not override the deterrence of glucose, likely due to strong selection against ingesting even small amounts of toxin associated with glucose in baits. In the absence of baits, glucose aversion would be expected to incur a fitness cost compared to wild-type individuals due to lower overall food availability but also to larger difficulty in attaining a nutritionally balanced diet.

Peculiarities of Sensory-Motor Response in Girls of 14-17 Years with Different Rates of Sexual Maturation

According to the rate of sexual maturation girls of 14-17 years (n = 137) were divided into three groups: girls with a normal rate of maturation (n = 90), those with an accelerated one (n = 30) and girls with retarded maturation (n = 17). Girls participated in the experiment on studying the influence of the sexual development rate on speed and qualitative characteristics of the sensory-motor response on visual and acoustic stimuli in a stochastic reflexometric program. Marked peculiarities of the performance of reflexometric tasks having fractal structure of interstimuli intervals were detected both in girls with an accelerated and retarded rate of maturation. More evident and significant differences were revealed in a complex task on visual differentiation. Its less qualitative performance was observed in girls with an accelerated rate of sexual maturation.

Results Regarding Some Morphometric Features of Spermatozoa in Ram

It is well known nowadays that morphological type classification of spermatozoa is an important component of the modern semen evaluation. Meanwhile, current methods of analysis are subjective and highly diversified; they are also ones of the best tools for artificial insemination using cryogenic preserved semen for the contemporary livestock producer. The aim of the present study was to determine if there are differences associated with sperm head morphometric dimensions in individuals with different sexual maturity ratings. For the present results, there was setting off ram groups depending on age: 12, 36 and 72 months of age. There were used random images from fresh sperm and each head spermatozoon was measured with the aid of a specialized soft for four primary parameters (length, L; area, A; width, W and perimeter, P) and four derived parameters (ellipticity, L/W; rugosity, 4πA/P2; elongation, L–W/L+W and regularity, πLW/4A). The analyzed data were statistically processed, being recorded the main population parameters: the average, its error, the standard deviation, the coefficient of variability. There were no significant differences in the sperm head dimension or shape among middle-aged and old individuals (P > 0.05). However, significant differences were detected in area, perimeter and width (lower values) and length, ellipticity and elongation (higher values) in old or middle-aged individuals compared with young individuals (P < 0.01). As a conclusion, this study confirms that ram age is related to sperm morphometric size. Therefore, the present study provides information regarding the maturation of ram sperm and supports the idea that the dimensions of ram spermatozoa may be taken as an approximate indication of its relative maturity.

Syntaxin 1A modulates the sexual maturity rate and progeny egg size related to phase changes in locusts

The migratory locust (Locusta migratoria) exhibits clear phenotypic plasticity depending on its population density. Previous studies have explored the molecular mechanisms of body colour, behavior, immunity, and metabolism between high population density gregarious (G) and low population density solitarious (S) locusts. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying differences in reproductive traits remain unknown. G locusts reach sexual maturation much faster and lay larger eggs compared with S locusts. The traits of G locusts decreased significantly with isolation, whereas those of S locusts increased with crowding. Analysis of gene expression in female adults indicated that syntaxin 1A (Syx1A) was expressed significantly higher in G locusts than in S locusts. After silencing Syx1A expression in G locusts by RNA interference (RNAi), their sexual maturity rate and progeny egg size changed towards those of S locusts. Similarly, increment in the traits of S locusts with crowding was blocked by Syx1A interference. Changes in the traits were also confirmed by decrease in the level of vitellogenin, which is regulated by Syx1A. In conclusion, plasticity of the sexual maturity rate and progeny egg size of G and S locusts, which is beneficial for locusts to adapt to environmental changes, is regulated by Syx1A.

The effects of prolonged selection for behavior on the stress response and activity of the reproductive system of male grey mice (Rattus norvegicus)

Two Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus) populations contrasting in behavior have been raised at the Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Novosibirsk, Russia with long-term selection for the absence or enhancement of an aggressive response towards humans. They are designated as tame and aggressive, respectively. In this work we investigated the effects of the selection on behavior, stress responsiveness, and fertility in males of the 78th generation. It is shown that the difference between the strains in their response to humans remains the same as in previous generations. However, the differences in stress response and maturation age contradict earlier data. For the first time, we note a higher glucocorticoid-mediated response to restriction stress and retarded sexual maturation in tame rats compared to aggressive ones, according to morphometric indices of gonads and testosterone levels. It is conceivable that the change in selection effects is determined by the disjunction of the directions of selection for behavior and the modification of the stress response. This study is the first to characterize males recently (six or seven generations of propagation in captivity) caught in the wild with regard to the indices under consideration and used as a control group. Wild rats have the highest stress response and rate of sexual maturation as compared to those selected.

Growth record and histological variation in the dorsal ribs of Camarasaurus sp. (Sauropoda)

ABSTRACTSeveral histological studies have attempted to derive life history parameters of sauropod dinosaurs. However, verification of sexual maturity and growth rate has been impeded by strong remodeling in sampled sauropod long bones. Here, for the first time, histological variation in the rib cage of Camarasaurus sp. is studied based on a single, relatively small, mature individual. The focus is on the growth history of this individual and its implications for sauropod growth, age, and sexual maturity. Different bone tissue types were observed in different skeletal elements. The long bones show nearly completely remodeled fibrolamellar bone, whereas the ribs show primary zonal bone, with fewer secondary osteons. Histology reveals that the general direction of growth in the rib shaft was from proximal to distal. Therefore, the proximal end of the rib shaft, where growth originated, was determined to be the best sampling area in ribs, providing an almost complete growth record. This study provides the most complete growth record for a sauropod so far, and indicates that it took 40 years for Camarasaurus sp. to reach full size and 18–19 years to become sexually mature. These results show that the growth rate and the point of sexual maturity for a small sauropod are intermediate between the widely divergent previous estimates. With a larger database of rib samples from more individuals of different ontogenetic stages, this approach could yield growth curves for other sauropod taxa.SUPPLEMENTAL DATA—Supplemental materials are available for this article for free at www.tandfonline.com/UJVP

Sexual maturation in common vole (Microtus arvalis) males raised under laboratory conditions.

The common vole is one ofthe most numerous rodents in Europe and Asia but its reproductive biology is not fully described. It is thought that females reach reproductive abilities at a very young age, however, there is no data concerning male sexual maturation. The aim of the present study was to determine the rate of sexual maturation of males of the common vole. Research was carried out on 4, 6, 8 and 10 week-old animals. Body, testes and accessory sex glands weights were compared to evaluate morphological development. Epididymal sperm quality was assessed by a motility test, sperm tail membrane integrity, viability, maturity and sperm head morphology. Moreover, the number of sperm cells in 1 mm3 of semen was evaluated. The largest body weights were observed in 8 and 10 week-old males, which also possessed the highest relative weights of gonads and accessory sex glands. These groups of males produce about 2 times more gametes than 6 week-old individuals. The highest seamen quality was noted in 8 and 10 week-old males. Based on the obtained results, it is concluded that among the investigated age groups the most appropriate male age for fertile copulation is between 8 and 10 weeks.

Effect of age at photostimulation on sexual maturation in broiler breeder pullets

Genetic selection programs in broiler stocks have contributed to changes in the responsiveness of the broiler breeder female to nutritional factors. A study was conducted to investigate the effect of photostimulation (PS) age on sexual maturity traits in current broiler breeder pullets. Seven hundred twenty Ross 308 pullets with full access to feed to 1 or 3 wk of age were divided among 8 environmental rooms to 16 wk of age. At this time, 128 pullets (64 per initial feeding treatment) were randomly assigned to individual cages in 8 rooms with 16 pullets per room. Pullets were PS at 17 (PS17), 19 (PS19), 21 (PS21), or 23 (PS23) wk of age by increasing the day length from 8L:16D to 16L:8D (multiple steps). Each hen was dissected on the morning after first oviposition (sexual maturity). Data were analyzed by 2-way ANOVA with additional analysis of covariance analysis done using sexual maturity on BW as a covariate. Sexual maturation occurred later with later PS ages. Rate of sexual maturation was accelerated at later PS ages, although age at PS did not affect variation in age at sexual maturity. Despite a 42 d difference in PS age between the PS17 and PS23 groups, only a 25 d difference existed in mean age at sexual maturity among these groups. Initial egg weight, breast muscle weight, frame size, and abdominal fat pad weight at sexual maturity increased in birds with later PS ages. Covariate analysis indicated that these effects were influenced primarily by increased age and BW at sexual maturity in later PS birds. Pullets PS at 17 wk of age had 11.0 large white ovarian follicles, compared with 14.9 in PS23 birds. Comparison to previous studies demonstrates that the years of genetic selection for growth traits have not changed the interval between PS and sexual maturation. Previous research published on this theme likely had a confounding effect of mean BW on estimates of variation at various PS ages. Photostimulating later presented advantages with regard to development of the reproductive tract; these effects were BW dependent.

Molecular characterization and functional analysis of a putative sex-peptide receptor in the tobacco cutwormSpodoptera litura(Fabricius, 1775) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

The sex-peptide receptor (SPR) acts in Drosophila females to detect male sex-peptide (SP) and trigger changes in female behaviour. Further study on SPR and its ligand family from different taxa will not only provide insight into ligand–receptor coevolution but also facilitate finding new approaches for pest control. Our previous studies on the tobacco cutworm Spodoptera litura (Fabricius, 1775) showed that mating usually results in marked changes in female behaviour and determined that factors from male accessory gland (MAG) secretions play a key role in such switches in females after mating. In the present study, we report the cloning of a transcript encoding a G-protein-coupled receptor from S. litura. This 3 kb transcript contains an ORF encoding a protein of 421 amino acids that shared significant amino acid identity to the SPR identified in Drosophila. Real-time PCR showed that the expression levels of the receptor in adults correlate well with the process of sexual maturation and mating rates; mating resulted in distinct sexual dimorphic differences in gene expression. Our results suggest that this gene is involved in mediating reproductive behaviour in adult moths. To test the hypothesis, we further studied the possible function of this receptor (SplSPR) on mediating female post-mating behaviour by using RNA interference (RNAi) and treatment with MAG secretions. RNAi reduced the expression levels of SplSPR by 65–88% and significantly prevented the effect of MAG secretions. Injection of MAG secretions causes normal virgin females to behave as though they had mated (they are sexually unreceptive and start to lay eggs), whereas SPR RNAi females fail to respond to MAG factors and continue to show virgin behaviours (lay very few eggs and copulate readily). These results support the hypothesis that the SplSPR functions in mediating female post-mating behaviour and the existence of an SP-like ligand in MAG secretions in S. litura.

Labial Neurofibroma as the Presenting Feature of Genital and Orbitotemporal Neurofibromatosis

To the Editor: Neurofibromatosis(NF)type-1isanautosomaldominant neurocutaneous disorder (17q11.2 defect; 1:3,000–4,000births),characterizedbyperipheralnervesheathtumors(neurofibromas),cafe-au-laitspots,intertriginousfrecklesandLischnodules[1].GenitalNFisextremelyrare,clitoromegalybeing the most common type, and is often confused withhyperandrogenic disorders resulting in unnecessary evalua-tions [1, 2]. Neurofibromas involving the orbital, temporalandfacialregionsareknownasorbitotemporalneurofibroma-tosis (OTNF) and are also rare (<1 %) [3].A 13-y-girl presented with concerns of genital asymmetrydue to labial swelling. Sexual maturity rating was B2 breastswith absent pubic or axillary hair. There was a palpable mass3×2 cm in the left labia majora (Fig. 1). Clitoromegaly wasabsent (clitoral index 28 mm

Unusual Case of Pubertal Gynaecomastia

A 13-year-old Indian boy presented with progressive non-painful enlargement of bilateral breasts for 2 years. (Figure 1) There was no history of any drug intake that could lead to gynaecomastia with no significant past medical history. His BMI was 28.5 kg/m 2 , no icterus, no stigmata of liver disease, acanthosis was present, sexual maturity rating P1 A1, and stretched penile length was 5 cm, testicular volume 3 ml bilaterally of normal consistency; with a bone age of 13 years and a disc diameter of 6 cm bilaterally

Age and reproduction of the finless porpoises, Neophocaena asiaeorientalis, in the Yellow Sea, Korea

A total of 116 finless porpoises, Neophocaena asiaeorientalis, were collected in the Yellow Sea off Korea. About 111 specimens were incidentally caught by stow nets on anchors from March to June 2010, and five were stranded in February 2011. Age was determined by counting dentinal growth layer groups (GLGs) in thin-sectioned teeth, and sexual maturity rating (SMR) was classified by investigating ovaries and testis macroscopically and microscopically. Immature females were ranged 1–4 years old and 92.6–141.2 cm in total body length (TBL), pubertal ones were all 5 years old and 125.4–136.0 cm, and mature ones ranged 5–19 years old and 131.6–155.2 cm. Age at attainment of sexual maturity of females was 4–5 years old. Parturition season estimated based on TBL of eight fetuses was from April to August with a peak in April to May. The first age at parturition was 5 years old. Among 62 males, immature males were 1–4 years old and 87.9–154.6 cm, pubertal ones were 3–5 years old and 121.5–134.5 cm, and mature ones were 4–19 years old and 125.3–229.0 cm. Males reached sexual maturity at 4–5 years old. Testicular mass and the diameters of seminiferous tubules were dramatically increased with SMR and regressed in testis of the individuals stranded in February. It suggested that male finless porpoises have aspermatogenic period between October and February. It is presumed that the breeding season would be May–September with a peak in May–June.