Article
Biology
Emma C. C. Sinclair, Paul R. Martin, Frances Bonier
Summary: Understanding the factors that contribute to variation in urban tolerance is crucial for predicting changes in biodiversity patterns in rapidly expanding cities. Endocrine traits play a role in species' ability to cope with urban challenges, but the extent to which these traits predict variation in urban tolerance across species is still not fully understood.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zorimar Rivera-Nunez, Megan Hansel, Camila Capurro, Danielle Kozlosky, Christina Wang, Cathleen L. Doherty, Brian Buckley, Pamela Ohman-Strickland, Richard K. Miller, Thomas G. O'Connor, Lauren M. Aleksunes, Emily S. Barrett
Summary: This study found that cadmium exposure during pregnancy may lead to lower testosterone levels in pregnant women, while estrogen levels remain unchanged. This effect may be stronger in pregnancies carrying female fetuses. Further research is needed to understand how alterations in gestational testosterone activity may impact pregnancy and child health.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Yelda A. Leal, Minkyo Song, Jovanny Zabaleta, Gilberto Medina-Escobedo, Patrick Caron, Aurelio Lopez-Colombo, Chantal Guillemette, M. Constanza Camargo
Summary: The study suggests that higher levels of circulating DHEA may be associated with a lower risk of noncardia gastric cancer, while estradiol and testosterone levels were not significantly linked to gastric cancer. Further longitudinal studies are needed to explore the temporality of this association and the mechanisms of disease pathogenesis.
ARCHIVES OF MEDICAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Hong Wu, Hui Wang, Di Liu, Zhibing Liu, Weiming Zhang
Summary: The study aimed to investigate the causal relationship between breast cancer and bone mineral density (BMD). Bidirectional and mediated Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses were conducted using data from genome-wide association studies. The results showed that breast cancer, especially its ER+ subtype, may reduce the BMD of the heel. However, there was no significant association between BMD and breast cancer. Higher levels of free testosterone (FT) were found to mediate the causal relationship between breast cancer and BMD, and both FT and ER+ type were independent factors of BMD. Higher FT and total testosterone (TT) levels were also associated with an increased risk of breast cancer and higher bone density.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Amalia Davila-Hernandez, Roberto Gonzalez-Gonzalez, Sonia Guzman-Velazquez, Olivia Tania Hernandez Hernandez, Sergio R. Zamudio, Lucia Martinez-Mota
Summary: This study suggests that AC can improve depressive symptoms in socially isolated male rats, potentially by modulating neuroendocrine and hippocampal molecular alterations.
BRAIN RESEARCH BULLETIN
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Anna Beltrame, Pedro Salguero, Emanuela Rossi, Ana Conesa, Lucia Moro, Laura Rachele Bettini, Eleonora Rizzi, Mariella D'Angio, Michela Deiana, Chiara Piubelli, Paola Rebora, Silvia Duranti, Paolo Bonfanti, Ilaria Capua, Sonia Tarazona, Maria Grazia Valsecchi
Summary: This study investigates the association between sex hormone levels and outcomes in COVID-19 patients, stratified by sex and age. The results show that lower testosterone levels are linked to the occurrence of ARDS and severe COVID-19 in older males, while higher estradiol levels are associated with an increased risk of death. Testosterone levels are negatively associated with ARDS, severe COVID-19, and in-hospital mortality, while estradiol levels are positively associated with the risk of death.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
William Jouanneau, Don-Jean Leandri-Breton, Dorte Herzke, Borge Moe, Vladimir A. Nikiforov, Marie Pallud, Charline Parenteau, Geir W. Gabrielsen, Olivier Chastel
Summary: Maternal effects are important for females to regulate offspring development. The deposition of maternal hormones may allow females to adjust the phenotype of their offspring according to the environment. However, it is unknown if contaminants like PFAS can disrupt maternal hormone deposition.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Esmee Botman, Diederik L. Smit, Willem de Ronde
Summary: Androgen abuse is common among young bodybuilders. After stopping the abuse, the body needs time to recover. Prolonged or permanent hypogonadism may occur, but its exact definition and pathogenesis is still debated.
CLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Amir Mosayyeb Zadeh, Seyyed Ali Mirghelenj, Peyman Hasanlou, Hossein Shakouri Alishah
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of turmeric powder supplementation on laying hens' performance, blood biochemical parameters and egg quality parameters. The results showed that turmeric powder supplementation significantly reduced egg production, weight and mass, and increased feed conversion ratio. Additionally, it affected the yolk percentage, height, index, color, and the egg-shell percentage.
JOURNAL OF ANIMAL PHYSIOLOGY AND ANIMAL NUTRITION
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maria Alemany
Summary: Androgens are important steroid hormones with diverse functions including energy control, skeletal maintenance, brain development, and reproductive mechanism regulation. Testosterone plays a key role in maintaining metabolism and its insufficiency is associated with aging and metabolic disorders. T replacement therapy is effective in maintaining core metabolism.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Dina B. Stensen, Lars Smabrekke, Karina Olsen, Guri Grimnes, Christopher Sivert Nielsen, Johanna U. E. Sollid, Gunnar Skov Simonsen, Bjorg Almas, Anne-Sofie Furberg
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the associations between circulating sex-steroid hormones and nasal carriage of Staphylococcus aureus in a general population. The results indicate that women with lower levels of circulating testosterone may have an increased probability of Staphylococcus aureus persistent carriage.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Gilneia da Rosa, Vanessa Dazuk, Gabriela M. Galli, Davi F. Alba, Marcel M. Boiago, Fernanda C. Oliveira, Tatiane J. Siebeneichler, Rui C. Zambiazi, Vanessa Galli, Priscila M. Copetti, Maria R. C. Schetinger, Roger Wagner, Adriana D. Meinhart, Aleksandro S. Da Silva
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the effects of adding Ilex paraguariensis residue (IPPR) to the basal diet of laying hens on bird health, production, fatty acids, egg quality, and transfer of chlorogenic acids to the egg. The results showed that IPPR did not affect egg production and feed conversion, but led to an increase in chlorogenic acids in the egg yolks and a reduction in total bacterial count in the feces and eggshells. Additionally, IPPR intake resulted in lower levels of saturated fatty acids and higher levels of monounsaturated fatty acids.
RESEARCH IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Hatem M. Eltahan, Sungbo Cho, Md Masud Rana, Ahmed A. Saleh, Alaa E. Elkomy, Mohammad A. M. Wadaan, Mahmoud Alagawany, In Ho Kim, Hossam M. Eltahan
Summary: This study examined additive effects of phytase on performance, egg quality, reproductive hormones, and plasma biochemical indices in older laying hens. Results showed that phytase supplementation increased egg production and improved eggshell thickness. It also enhanced plasma concentrations of key hormones and biochemical indices. However, it had no significant impact on other parameters such as egg weight and feed conversion ratio.
Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Peng Hu, Jun Huang, Yi Lu, Murui Zheng, Haiyi Li, Xueru Duan, Hai Deng, Wenjing Zhao, Xudong Liu
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the association between circulating sex hormones and the risk of atrial fibrillation (AF). Through a meta-analysis of multiple cohort studies, it was found that higher endogenous dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) levels in men were associated with a lower risk of AF, while total testosterone and estradiol were not associated with AF risk. Further longitudinal studies are needed to explore the relationship between various circulating sex hormones and AF risk.
FRONTIERS IN CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICINE
(2022)
Review
Developmental Biology
Abbey C. Lissaman, Jane E. Girling, Lynsey M. Cree, Rebecca E. Campbell, Anna P. Ponnampalam
Summary: Our current understanding of hormonal regulation in the female reproductive system is mainly based on estrogen and progesterone signaling. However, recent studies have shown that androgens also play crucial roles in the female reproductive system and are involved in a variety of gynecological conditions. Co-regulatory mechanisms exist between androgens, estrogens, and progesterone, creating a complex network of steroid hormone interactions. Research using animal models, in vitro experiments, and human data has revealed that androgen receptor expression is cell-specific and stage-dependent in the menstrual cycle, endometrial biology, and ovarian function.
MOLECULAR HUMAN REPRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Zoology
Piotr Matyjasiak, Cosme Lopez-Calderon, Roberto Ambrosini, Javier Balbontin, Alessandra Costanzo, Yosef Kiat, Andrea Romano, Diego Rubolini
Summary: This study found that Eurasian barn swallows with longer migration distances have longer and more pointed wings, which favor energetically efficient flight.
Article
Zoology
Camilla Soravia, Angelo Bisazza, Jacopo G. Cecere, Diego Rubolini
Summary: The costs and benefits of brain lateralization may be influenced by environmental conditions. This study investigated the effects of early food availability on lateralization in a population of lesser kestrels. The results showed that extra food provisioning improved nestling growth but did not significantly affect the strength or direction of nestling lateralization. Additionally, the direction of lateralization differed between male and female nestlings.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Letizia Campioni, Giacomo Dell'Omo, Salvatrice Vizzini, Federico De Pascalis, Fabio Badalamenti, Bruno Massa, Diego Rubolini, Jacopo G. Cecere
Summary: This study investigates the spatial and temporal variations in trophic resources use by Scopoli's shearwater, a trans-equatorial migrant seabird, during breeding and non-breeding periods. The results show spatial segregation during breeding and shared non-breeding areas among different populations, indicating a plasticity in trophic resource use. The study highlights the importance of considering seasonal and region-specific factors in understanding the foraging ecology of marine predators.
MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Gianluca Lombardo, Nicola Rambaldi Migliore, Giulia Colombo, Marco Rosario Capodiferro, Giulio Formenti, Manuela Caprioli, Elisabetta Moroni, Leonardo Caporali, Hovirag Lancioni, Simona Secomandi, Guido Roberto Gallo, Alessandra Costanzo, Andrea Romano, Maria Garofalo, Cristina Cereda, Valerio Carelli, Lauren Gillespie, Yang Liu, Yosef Kiat, Alfonso Marzal, Cosme Lopez-Calderon, Javier Balbontin, Timothy A. Mousseau, Piotr Matyjasiak, Anders Pape Moller, Ornella Semino, Roberto Ambrosini, Andrea Bonisoli-Alquati, Diego Rubolini, Luca Ferretti, Alessandro Achilli, Luca Gianfranceschi, Anna Olivieri, Antonio Torroni
Summary: The study investigates the taxonomic status and geographical spread of the barn swallow by analyzing the sequence variation of mitochondrial genomes. It identifies subspecies-specific haplogroups and proposes a model for the worldwide spread of the species. The research also highlights the close link between the barn swallow, climate fluctuations, and human activities, suggesting its importance as an indicator for monitoring the impact of global changes on wildlife.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Review
Ecology
Andrea Romano, Laszlo Zsolt Garamszegi, Diego Rubolini, Roberto Ambrosini
Summary: A comprehensive meta-analysis of avian phenological responses to climate change revealed that prebreeding migration and breeding have been advancing by 2-3 days per decade, while timing of postbreeding migration has remained relatively stable. The extent of advancement varied based on migratory behavior, diet specialization, body size, and hemisphere. The study highlights the importance of considering specific life-history and ecological traits in understanding avian responses to climate change.
ECOLOGICAL MONOGRAPHS
(2023)
Review
Biology
Louis-Stephane Le Clercq, Gaia Bazzi, Jacopo G. Cecere, Luca Gianfranceschi, Johannes Paul Grobler, Antoinette Kotze, Diego Rubolini, Miriam Liedvogel, Desire Lee Dalton
Summary: Timing is crucial for survival and reproduction in seasonal environments. Birds may use circadian clock genes, such as Clock and Adcyap1, to track time and anticipate seasonal changes. This study found a tentative association between Clock gene variation and autumn migration, and Adcyap1 gene variation and spring migration in migratory birds. These candidate genes are not diagnostic markers for distinguishing migratory from sedentary birds, and their variability may be influenced by ancestral inheritance rather than contemporary selection.
BIOLOGICAL REVIEWS
(2023)
Review
Biochemical Research Methods
Francesca Pittino, Jakub Buda, Roberto Ambrosini, Marco Parolini, Arianna Crosta, Krzysztof Zawierucha, Andrea Franzetti
Summary: Glaciers are ecosystems that contain active biological communities. They act as condensers where pollutants are deposited due to high precipitation rates and cold temperatures. This review aims to provide an overview of the studies on the effects of pollutants on glacier ecosystems, particularly the supraglacial ecosystem. Despite discussions on the distribution of pollutants in glacier environments, no review paper has summarized the current knowledge on the effects of these substances on the ecological communities living in glaciers.
CURRENT OPINION IN BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Marco Parolini, Matteo Stucchi, Roberto Ambrosini, Andrea Romano
Summary: Microplastic (MP) contamination in marine ecosystems is a global environmental concern. This systematic review summarizes extensive research on the bioaccumulation of MPs in marine organisms, revealing that MP body burden varies significantly among trophic levels and taxonomic groups, but not geographically or temporally. While all marine organisms can ingest and accumulate MPs, the wide variability in body burden prevents the identification of global contamination patterns.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Niccolo Fattorini, Alessandra Costanzo, Andrea Romano, Diego Rubolini, Stephen Baillie, Franz Bairlein, Fernando Spina, Roberto Ambrosini
Summary: Migratory connectivity in birds is influenced by geographical proxies of migration costs, with weak effects from biological traits and phylogeny. The variability in avian migration strategies leads to significant connectivity between distinct migratory populations. Understanding the determinants of migratory connectivity can enhance conservation and management strategies for avian migrants.
Article
Ecology
Jennifer Morinay, Louise Riotte-Lambert, Geert Aarts, Federico De Pascalis, Simona Imperio, Michelangelo Morganti, Carlo Catoni, Giacomo Assandri, Samuele Ramellini, Diego Rubolini, Jacopo G. Cecere
Summary: Spatial segregation of foraging areas among individuals breeding in the same colony has been observed, and this study suggests that such segregation may not necessarily involve social information sharing. Personal information and memory could be sufficient to explain the observed spatial segregation of foraging areas within colonies.
Article
Microbiology
Francesca Pittino, Krzysztof Zawierucha, Ewa Poniecka, Jakub Buda, Asia Rosatelli, Simone Zordan, Roberto S. Azzoni, Guglielmina Diolaiuti, Roberto Ambrosini, Andrea Franzetti
Summary: Recent evidence has revealed the presence of a potential niche for anaerobic microorganisms and processes in supraglacial sediments. This study used rRNA and mRNA sequencing to demonstrate that anaerobes are actively involved in these environments and play a significant role in ecosystem functions.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Ilaria Varotto-Boccazzi, Sara Epis, Giulia Maria Cattaneo, Noemi Guerrini, Alessandro Manenti, Diego Rubolini, Paolo Gabrieli, Domenico Otranto, Gianvincenzo Zuccotti, Emanuele Montomoli, Claudio Bandi
Summary: The mucosal immune system is crucial for combatting infections and can serve as the first line of defense against various pathogens. Mucosal vaccination has shown promise in protecting against infections acquired through ingestion, inhalation, or the urogenital system, and can also induce systemic immune responses. This study investigated rectal administration of Leishmania parasites as a potential method for generating anti-Leishmania immunity, demonstrating a specific antibody response and a shift towards a Th1-biased immune response. These findings suggest the development of novel vaccines based on rectal immunization against Leishmania parasites should be further explored.
TROPICAL MEDICINE AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Louis-Stephane Le Clercq, Gaia Bazzi, Joan Ferrer Obiol, Jacopo G. Cecere, Luca Gianfranceschi, J. Paul Grobler, Antoinette Kotze, Marta Riutort Leon, Jacob Gonzalez-Solis, Diego Rubolini, Miriam Liedvogel, Desire Lee Dalton
Summary: Birds in seasonal habitats rely on complex strategies for optimal timing of migrations, which are influenced by genetic factors and environmental cues. This study provides a systematic review and phylogenetic reanalysis to clarify the evidence and improves our understanding of the genetic basis of seasonal bird migrations.