transformer is a switch gene for sex determination in many insects, which cooperates with transformer-2 that is expressed in both sexes to regulate female differentiation, particularly in dipterans. Zeugodacus cucurbi...transformer is a switch gene for sex determination in many insects, which cooperates with transformer-2 that is expressed in both sexes to regulate female differentiation, particularly in dipterans. Zeugodacus cucurbitae(Coquillett) is a very destructive pest worldwide, however, its sex determination pathway remains largely uncharacterized. Here, we show that the female sex ratio is sharply reduced with knockdown of either transformer or transformer-2 by RNA interference in early embryos of Z. cucurbitae. Most of the males grown from the embryos with transient transformer and transformer-2 suppression mated with wild-type females and produced mixed sex progeny, with one exception that produced only female progeny, and all of the few remaining males failed to mate with wild-type females and produced no progeny. The exceptional male and those males with mating failure were XX pseudomales as determined by the detection of Y chromosome-linked Maleness-on-the-Y, indicating that most XX pseudomales are not viable. The phenotypes of transformer and transformer-2 suggest that they play a key role in regulating sex determination and are required for female sexual development of Z. cucurbitae. Our results will be beneficial to the understanding of sex determination in Z. cucurbitae and can facilitate the development of genetic sexing strains for its biological control.展开更多
In reptiles,such as the red-eared slider turtle(Trachemys scripta elegans),gonadal sex determination is highly dependent on the environmental temperature during embryonic stages.This complex process,which leads to dif...In reptiles,such as the red-eared slider turtle(Trachemys scripta elegans),gonadal sex determination is highly dependent on the environmental temperature during embryonic stages.This complex process,which leads to differentiation into either testes or ovaries,is governed by the finely tuned expression of upstream genes,notably the testis-promoting gene Dmrt1 and the ovary-promoting gene Foxl2.Recent studies have identified epigenetic regulation as a crucial factor in testis development,with the H3K27me3 demethylase KDM6B being essential for Dmrt1 expression in T.s.elegans.However,whether KDM6B alone can induce testicular differentiation remains unclear.In this study,we found that overexpression of Kdm6b in T.s.elegans embryos induced the male development pathway,accompanied by a rapid increase in the gonadal expression of Dmrt1 at 31°C,a temperature typically resulting in female development.Notably,this sex reversal could be entirely rescued by Dmrt1 knockdown.These findings demonstrate that Kdm6b is sufficient for commitment to the male pathway,underscoring its role as a critical epigenetic regulator in the sex determination of the red-eared slider turtle.展开更多
Reproduction via cis-binary mechanisms appears to have evolved fairly early in the evolution of complex organisms, and a system committed to prior to evolution of humans. While the evolution of a chromosomal-specific ...Reproduction via cis-binary mechanisms appears to have evolved fairly early in the evolution of complex organisms, and a system committed to prior to evolution of humans. While the evolution of a chromosomal-specific approach has been a successful strategy for survival of a large variety of species including humans, the fidelity of sex determination leading to 100% cis-binary outcomes is not achieved in many species, with evidence for homosexual or bisexual behaviour evident in more than 1500 species. Thus, such outcomes indicates that sex determination is a multi-step process and not a single event, and as such, could lead to the appearance of variants during the process which developed much earlier than humans. Variants could arise either due to intrinsic variation in the steps of determination, or also be influenced by environmental factors of a biological or psychological nature. In contrast to homosexual variants which do not require interventions such as hormone therapy or surgery, expression of gender dysphoria, is more based in psychology, but also has biological underpinnings and can be influenced by such hormonal interventions and surgery. While the numbers of those with gender dysphoria is small (~0.6% - 1.0% of population), the attention given to this issue raises the possibility of biological and psychological environmental factors impacting the emergence of some of those expressing gender dysphoria. Furthermore, transitioning from male-to-female or female-to-male can have consequences regarding disease risks latter in life, including the appearance of autoimmune diseases. This review will attempt to review some of the evidence regarding sex determination, discuss why the system has potentially not been improved upon during evolution, how a potential role for sex chromosome function on neurodevelopment may be central to variation in humans, and how commitment to the current strategy is likely integrated into other sex-related events such as puberty, pregnancy, and menopause to ensure species survival. It will also discuss how variants in sex determination could contribute to sex differences in disease risk and how epigenetic modifications could play a role in such risk. .展开更多
The initiation of sex differentiation in insects is regulated by primary sex determination signals.In the Medfly Ceratitis capitata and other tephritids,Maleness-on-the-Y(MoY) is the master gene for male sex determina...The initiation of sex differentiation in insects is regulated by primary sex determination signals.In the Medfly Ceratitis capitata and other tephritids,Maleness-on-the-Y(MoY) is the master gene for male sex determination.However,the primary signal in Zeugodacus cucurbitae(Coquillett),a very destructive tephritid pest across the world,remains ambiguous.In this study,we have isolated and characterized the Medfly MoY homolog in Z.cucurbitae,ZcMoY.ZcMOY protein shows high sequence conservation to its homologs in Bactrocera species.ZcMoY transcription begins and peaks at very early embryonic stages and then becomes undetectable except the testes and heads of day 1 male adults.Silencing ZcMoY in early embryos by RNAi causes abnormal external genitalia and interior reproductive organs,giving rise to intersexes and feminization of XY individuals.The expression pattern and knockdown phenotypes of ZcMoY indicate that ZcMoY plays a key role in regulating sex determination of Z.cucurbitae males.Our findings will help the understanding of sex determination in Z.cucurbitae and facilitate the development of genetic sexing strains in its biological control.展开更多
In the present study,we investigated the intervention effects of a purified Polygonatum cyrtonema polysaccharide(PCP)on high-fat diet(HFD)-induced atherosclerosis in male and female LDLr-/-mice.Results showed that HFD...In the present study,we investigated the intervention effects of a purified Polygonatum cyrtonema polysaccharide(PCP)on high-fat diet(HFD)-induced atherosclerosis in male and female LDLr-/-mice.Results showed that HFD caused severe dyslipidemia,atherosclerotic lesions,oxidative damages and inflammation in male and female mice,and these effects seemed to be more pronounced in males than in females.However,the above variations could be dose-dependently reversed by PCP treatment,and the intervention effects on males were greater than those on females.Nuclear factor kappa-B(NF-κB),mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPKs)and protein kinase B(Akt)are 3 pivotal signaling pathways mediating the development of atherosclerosis.Consistently,PCP was also found to significantly decrease the phosphorylation of p65,p38,extracellular-regulated kinase 1/2(ERK1/2)and Akt,and increase the protein expression of inhibitor of NF-κB(IκB)in the aortas of male and female mice induced by HFD.Taken together,these findings indicated that PCP could be effective for the prevention of atherosclerosis,and the intervention effect of PCP on male mice was more obvious than that of female mice.展开更多
BACKGROUND The modified Xiaoyao San(MXS)formula is an adjuvant drug recommended by the National Health Commission of China for the treatment of liver cancer,which has the effect of preventing postoperative recurrence ...BACKGROUND The modified Xiaoyao San(MXS)formula is an adjuvant drug recommended by the National Health Commission of China for the treatment of liver cancer,which has the effect of preventing postoperative recurrence and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma and prolonging patient survival.However,the molecular mechanisms underlying that remain unclear.AIM To investigate the role and mechanisms of MXS in ameliorating hepatic injury,steatosis and inflammation.METHODS A choline-deficient/high-fat diet-induced rat nonalcoholic steatohepatitis(NASH)model was used to examine the effects of MXS on lipid accumulation in primary hepatocytes.Liver tissues were collected for western blotting and immunohisto chemistry(IHC)assays.Lipid accumulation and hepatic fibrosis were detected using oil red staining and Sirius red staining.The serum samples were collected for biochemical assays and NMR-based metabonomics analysis.The inflammation/lipid metabolism-related signaling and regulators in liver tissues were also detected to reveal the molecular mechanisms of MXS against NASH.RESULTS MXS showed a significant decrease in lipid accumulation and inflammatory response in hepatocytes under metabolic stress.The western blotting and IHC results indicated that MXS activated AMPK pathway but inhibited the expression of key regulators related to lipid accumulation,inflammation and hepatic fibrosis in the pathogenesis of NASH.The metabonomics analysis systemically indicated that the arachidonic acid metabolism and steroid hormone synthesis are the two main target metabolic pathways for MXS to ameliorate liver inflammation and hepatic steatosis.Mechanistically,we found that MXS protected against NASH by attenuating the sex hormone-related metabolism,especially the metabolism of male hormones.CONCLUSION MXS ameliorates inflammation and hepatic steatosis of NASH by inhibiting the metabolism of male hormones.Targeting male hormone related metabolic pathways may be the potential therapeutic approach for NASH.展开更多
BACKGROUND Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)increases cardiovascular disease(CVD)risk irrespective of other risk factors.However,large-scale cardiovascular sex and race differences are poorly understood.AIM To ...BACKGROUND Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)increases cardiovascular disease(CVD)risk irrespective of other risk factors.However,large-scale cardiovascular sex and race differences are poorly understood.AIM To investigate the relationship between NAFLD and major cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events(MACCE)in subgroups using a nationally representative United States inpatient sample.METHODS We examined National Inpatient Sample(2019)to identify adult hospitalizations with NAFLD by age,sex,and race using ICD-10-CM codes.Clinical and demographic characteristics,comorbidities,and MACCE-related mortality,acute myocardial infarction(AMI),cardiac arrest,and stroke were compared in NAFLD cohorts by sex and race.Multivariable regression analyses were adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics,hospitalization features,and comorbidities.RESULTS We examined 409130 hospitalizations[median 55(IQR 43-66)years]with NFALD.NAFLD was more common in females(1.2%),Hispanics(2%),and Native Americans(1.9%)than whites.Females often reported non-elective admissions,Medicare enrolment,the median age of 55(IQR 42-67),and poor income.Females had higher obesity and uncomplicated diabetes but lower hypertension,hyperlipidemia,and complicated diabetes than males.Hispanics had a median age of 48(IQR 37-60),were Medicaid enrollees,and had non-elective admissions.Hispanics had greater diabetes and obesity rates than whites but lower hypertension and hyperlipidemia.MACCE,all-cause mortality,AMI,cardiac arrest,and stroke were all greater in elderly individuals(P<0.001).MACCE,AMI,and cardiac arrest were more common in men(P<0.001).Native Americans(aOR 1.64)and Asian Pacific Islanders(aOR 1.18)had higher all-cause death risks than whites.CONCLUSION Increasing age and male sex link NAFLD with adverse MACCE outcomes;Native Americans and Asian Pacific Islanders face higher mortality,highlighting a need for tailored interventions and care.展开更多
Objective:Sex-specific differences are observed in various liver diseases,but the influence of sex on the outcomes of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)after liver transplantation(LT)remains to be determined.This study is ...Objective:Sex-specific differences are observed in various liver diseases,but the influence of sex on the outcomes of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)after liver transplantation(LT)remains to be determined.This study is the first Chinese nationwide investigation of the role of sex in post-LT outcomes in patients with HCC.Methods:Data for recipients with HCC registered in the China Liver Transplant Registry between January 2015 and December 2020 were analyzed.The associations between donor,recipient,or donor-recipient transplant patterns by sex and the post-LT outcomes were studied with propensity score matching(PSM).The survival associated with different sex-based donor-recipient transplant patterns was further studied.Results:Among 3,769 patients enrolled in this study,the 1-,3-,and 5-year overall survival(OS)rates of patients with HCC after LT were 96.1%,86.4%,and 78.5%,respectively,in female recipients,and 95.8%,79.0%,and 70.7%,respectively,in male recipients after PSM(P=0.009).However,the OS was comparable between recipients with female donors and male donors.Multivariate analysis indicated that male recipient sex was a risk factor for post-LT survival(HR=1.381,P=0.046).Among the donor-recipient transplant patterns,the male-male donor-recipient transplant pattern was associated with the poorest post-LT survival(P<0.05).Conclusions:Our findings highlighted that the post-LT outcomes of female recipients were significantly superior to those of male recipients,and the male-male donor-recipient transplant pattern was associated with the poorest post-LT survival.Livers from male donors may provide the most benefit to female recipients.Our results indicate that sex should be considered as a critical factor in organ allocation.展开更多
Objectives: Sex work is not well documented among African men. The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiological profile of men who have sex with men (MSM) and eventually to determine the proportion of sex wor...Objectives: Sex work is not well documented among African men. The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiological profile of men who have sex with men (MSM) and eventually to determine the proportion of sex workers (SW) among them, as well as the proportion of MSM who have been victims of gender-based violence (GBV). Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study coordinated by the Direction de la Médecine du Travail was carried out at the headquarters of the association ALTERNATIVES in Bangui Bangui from July 1 to October 31, 2021. Consenting MSM present during the study period were systematically included. Sociodemographic variables, those relating to the future vision of the activity and to GBV were collected and analyzed using Epi-Info version 7 software. Results: Forty MSM with an average age of 23 years and mainly secondary education (75.0%) were included. The vast majority of MSM were unemployed (85.0%). 45.0% had been victims of GBV and wanted to stop working as an MSM (47.5%), and almost 2/3 (65.0%) would accept another income-generating activity in exchange for the MSM. Violence was sexual (32.5%), economic (22.5%), physical (20.0%), verbal (12.5%) and psychological (12.5%). Conclusion: The MSM were mainly young, poorly educated, unemployed, and almost half were victims of GBV. The desire to change MSM activity to another income-generating activity alongside that of MSM shows that many of them are SW, workers in the informal sector. This must be taken into account in prevention activities, even if the data needs to be confirmed on a much larger sample.展开更多
Sex-biased mortality can occur in birds during development,for example due to sexual differences in energy requirement and/or environmental sensitivity,or the effects of sex hormones or sex differences in the expressi...Sex-biased mortality can occur in birds during development,for example due to sexual differences in energy requirement and/or environmental sensitivity,or the effects of sex hormones or sex differences in the expression of mutations linked to sex chromosomes.The extent of sex-bias in mortality may also be related to environmental conditions that influence offspring development and survival.Urban areas often provide poorer conditions for nestling development resulting in higher offspring mortality compared to natural areas,which may accelerate sex differences in offspring mortality in cities.To test this hypothesis,we examined the sex ratio of dead offspring in Great Tits(Parus major),using 427 samples of unhatched eggs and dead nestlings collected in two urban and two forest sites between 2013 and 2019.The ratio of males in the whole sample of dead offspring(56.9%)was significantly higher than expected by an 1:1 ratio,and the strongest sex biases were detected in urban areas(57.6%males)and in young nestlings(<14 days old,59.0%males).However,the sex ratios of dead offspring did not differ significantly among study sites and between offspring developmental stages.29.3%of unhatched eggs contained a visible embryo,and the proportion of embryo-containing unhatched eggs did not differ significantly between urban and forest study sites.These results suggest male-biased offspring mortality in Great Tits,and highlight the need of large datasets to detect subtle differences between habitats and developmental stages.展开更多
Objective:To conduct changes in sexual activity during pregnancy and its related factors in pregnant women.Methods:The present descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 2017 on pregnant women who referred to ...Objective:To conduct changes in sexual activity during pregnancy and its related factors in pregnant women.Methods:The present descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 2017 on pregnant women who referred to the women's clinic of Afzalipour Hospital in the southeast of Iran.Participants were included in the study through convenient sampling.The data collection tool was a researcher-made questionnaire consisting of two parts of personal social information of the couple and questions to measure the level of sexual activity and the attitude of the subjects during pregnancy compared to before pregnancy.Results:201 Pregnant women were included.The average age of pregnant women was(27.3±6.1)years and their average gestational age was(24.7±11.8)years.More than 62%of women had decreased sexual activity.There was a significant relationship between the amount of changes in sexual activity and delivery time(P=0.013),abortion history(P=0.001)and premature birth history(P=0.002).Most pregnant women believed that sex during pregnancy caused damage to the fetus(67.7%).A decrease in the intensity of sexual desire was reported in 63%of pregnant women.More than 60%of the subjects did not consult with doctors and midwives with regards to sexual issues(63.5%).The most common reason for not consulting was not feeling the need(32%).Most women experienced back pain during(42.8%)and after(39.8%)intercourse.Conclusions:Changes in sex life during pregnancy are often caused by the lack of sexual knowledge and the increase in misconceptions among couples,which can affect the quality of relationships.The role of education is essential.Therefore,it is suggested that by including sexual counseling along with pregnancy care,wrong beliefs and information among women will be corrected.展开更多
Background: Early sexual intercourse (ESI) is a global public health problem. In Congo, associated factors with ESI have been under-studied. Objective: To analyse factors associated with early sexual intercourse among...Background: Early sexual intercourse (ESI) is a global public health problem. In Congo, associated factors with ESI have been under-studied. Objective: To analyse factors associated with early sexual intercourse among in-school adolescents in Brazzaville. Method: A cross-sectional analytic study with three-stage random sampling was carried out from March 2 to June 2, 2022 in Brazzaville secondary and high schools. Adolescents in the selected schools were interviewed about their sexual and social behaviour, and their family and school environment. Multivariate analysis using logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with ESI. The significance level of the p-value was set at 5% and the confidence interval at 95%. Results: Of a total of 1100 adolescents surveyed, 800 (72.7%) had ESI, 98% of them were female. The main reason for early initiation of sexual intercourse was curiosity (81.8%). Non-use of condoms and multiple sexual partnerships were noted respectively in 98.7% and 68.7% of adolescents who had experienced ESI. Female gender (p Conclusion: The prevalence of ESI is high, and the factors identified in this study may help to reduce it.展开更多
Conogethes punctiferalis is a crop and fruit pest that has caused serious economic losses to agricultural production.This pest relies heavily on its sex pheromone to ensure sexual encounters and subsequent mating succ...Conogethes punctiferalis is a crop and fruit pest that has caused serious economic losses to agricultural production.This pest relies heavily on its sex pheromone to ensure sexual encounters and subsequent mating success.However,the molecular mechanism underlying sex pheromone biosynthesis in this species remains elusive.The present study investigated the detailed mechanism underlying PBAN-regulated sex pheromone biosynthesis in C.punctiferalis by transcriptome sequencing of the C.punctiferalis pheromone glands(PGs)and subsequent functional identification of the target genes.The results showed that female mating started from the first scotophase,and peaked at the second to fifth scotophases in accordance with the release of sex pheromones.PBAN regulated sex pheromone biosynthesis by employing Ca^(2+)and cAMP as secondary messengers,as demonstrated by RNA interference(RNAi),pharmacological inhibitors,and behavioral assays.Further investigation revealed that calcineurin(CaN)and acetyl-CoA carboxylase(ACC)were activated by PBAN/Ca^(2+)signaling,and the RNAimediated knockdown of CaN and ACC transcripts significantly reduced sex pheromone production,ultimately leading to a significantly reduced ability of females to attract males.Importantly,hexokinase(HK)was found to regulate sex pheromone biosynthesis in response to the PBAN/cAMP/PKA signaling pathway,as demonstrated by RNAi,enzyme activity,and pharmacological inhibitor assays.Furthermore,Far2 and Desaturase1 were found to participate in PBAN-regulated sex pheromone biosynthesis.Altogether,our findings revealed that PBAN regulates sex pheromone biosynthesis through the PBANR/Ca^(2+)/CaN/ACC and PBANR/cAMP/PKA/HK pathways in C.punctiferalis,which enriches our comprehension of the details of sex pheromone biosynthesis in moths.展开更多
The mu oil tree(Vernicia montana Lour.) is a dioecious species, but the genetic mechanisms underlying its phenotypic sexual dimorphism are unclear. In this study, we determined two pivotal phases of sex differentiatio...The mu oil tree(Vernicia montana Lour.) is a dioecious species, but the genetic mechanisms underlying its phenotypic sexual dimorphism are unclear. In this study, we determined two pivotal phases of sex differentiation of mu oil tree via morphological and histological analyses of unisexual flowers:(Ⅰ) differentiation of male or female primordia to produce staminate flowers(SFs) or transient hermaphrodite flowers(HFs),and(Ⅱ) complete abortion of stamens in transient HFs to generate pistillate flowers(PFs). A total of 1621 sex-biased genes were identified by comparative transcriptome analysis which exhibited elevated rates of protein evolution than unbiased genes. The female-biased genes were enriched in the production of defense compounds while male-biased genes were focused on the production of viable pollens. Transcriptomebased analysis revealed that the differentially expressed genes(DEGs) between PFs and SFs in phase Ⅰ involved in abscisic acid(ABA), auxin(AUX), cytokinin(CK), ethylene(ET), and gibberellin(GA) biosynthesis and signaling showed higher expression levels in males than in females in general, whereas the DEGs involved in jasmonic acid(JA) and salicylic acid(SA) pathways displayed opposite expression patterns. Moreover,differentially expressed endogenous ABA, AUX, GAs, JA, and SA exhibited consistent biased expression patterns with the DEGs by UPLC-MSbased analysis. Exogenous application of an anti-ethylene plant growth regulator could promote the development of stamens in PFs and generated HFs. Comparative transcriptomic and hormonal analyses of PFs and SFs in phase Ⅱ indicated an increase in ET concentration when abortion of stamens in PFs occurred. This study suggested that phytohormones play key roles in sex dimorphism and ET may determine the development of stamens in PFs of mu oil tree, which provides an insight into plant sex differentiation mechanisms.展开更多
Background Sex hormones play important roles in the estrus return of post-weaning sows.Previous studies have demonstrated a complex and bi-directional regulation between sex hormones and gut microbiota.However,the ext...Background Sex hormones play important roles in the estrus return of post-weaning sows.Previous studies have demonstrated a complex and bi-directional regulation between sex hormones and gut microbiota.However,the extent to which the gut microbiota affects estrus return of post-weaning sows is largely unknown.Results In this study,we first screened 207 fecal samples from well-phenotyped sows by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and identified significant associations between microbes and estrus return of post-weaning sows.Using metagenomic sequencing data from 85 fecal samples,we identified 37 bacterial species that were significantly associated with estrus return.Normally returning sows were characterized by increased abundances of L.reuteri and P.copri and decreased abundances of B.fragilis,S.suis,and B.pseudolongum.The changes in gut microbial composition significantly altered the functional capacity of steroid hormone biosynthesis in the gut microbiome.The results were confirmed in a validation cohort.Significant changes in sex steroid hormones and related compounds were found between normal and non-return sows via metabolome analysis.An integrated analysis of differential bacterial species,metagenome,and fecal metabolome provided evidence that normal return-associated bacterial species L.reuteri and Prevotella spp.participated in the degradation of pregnenolone,progesterone,and testosterone,thereby promoting estrogen biosynthesis.Furthermore,the microbial metabolites related to sow energy and nutrient supply or metabolic disorders also showed relationships with sow estrus return.Conclusions An integrated analysis of differentially abundant bacterial species,metagenome,and fecal metabolome revealed the involvement of L.reuteri and Prevotella spp.in sow estrus return.These findings provide deep insight into the role of gut microbiota in the estrus return of post-weaning sows and the complex cross-talk between gut microbiota and sex hormones,suggesting that the manipulation of the gut microbiota could be an effective strategy to improve sow estrus return after weaning.展开更多
Background: Infertility is characterized by the inability to conceive after a year of regular unprotected intercourse. Aims: This study aimed to investigate the diagnostic value of sex hormone levels during different ...Background: Infertility is characterized by the inability to conceive after a year of regular unprotected intercourse. Aims: This study aimed to investigate the diagnostic value of sex hormone levels during different physiological periods in the diagnosis of infertility patients. Methods: From December 2019 to May 2021, a total of 93 infertility patients were admitted and selected as the observation group. Among them, 31 cases were in the follicular stage, 31 cases in the ovulation stage, and 31 cases in the luteal stage. Ninety-three healthy women for fertility evaluation due to male infertility were selected as the control group. The control group included 31 women in the follicular phase, 31 women in the ovulatory phase, and 31 women in the luteal phase. The levels of sex hormones (prolactin (PRL), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol (E2), testosterone (T), and progesterone (P)) during different physiological phases were compared between the observation and control groups. Results: The follicular phase showed no significant difference in LH levels between the observation group and the control group. The observation group showed higher levels of PRL and P compared to the control group, while the levels of FSH, E2, and T were lower in the observation group compared to the control group. The ovulation phase showed no significant difference in PRL levels between the two groups. The observation group showed lower levels of LH, FSH, E2, T, and P compared to the control group. The luteal phase showed no statistical difference in E2 levels between the two groups. The observation group showed higher levels of PRL, LH, and FSH compared to the control group, while the levels of T and P were lower in the observation group compared to the control group. Conclusion: Infertile women show variations in hormone levels compared to the normal levels during the follicular phase, ovulatory phase, and luteal phase.展开更多
BACKGROUND Laparoscopic rectal cancer radical surgery is a complex procedure affected by various factors.However,the existing literature lacks standardized parameters for the pelvic region and soft tissues,which hampe...BACKGROUND Laparoscopic rectal cancer radical surgery is a complex procedure affected by various factors.However,the existing literature lacks standardized parameters for the pelvic region and soft tissues,which hampers the establishment of consistent conclusions.AIM To comprehensively assess 16 pelvic and 7 soft tissue parameters through computerized tomography(CT)-based three-dimensional(3D)reconstruction,providing a strong theoretical basis to address challenges in laparoscopic rectal cancer radical surgery.METHODS We analyzed data from 218 patients who underwent radical laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer,and utilized CT data for 3D pelvic reconstruction.Specific anatomical points were carefully marked and measured using advanced 3D modeling software.To analyze the pelvic and soft tissue parameters,we emp-loyed statistical methods including paired sample t-tests,Wilcoxon rank-sum tests,and correlation analysis.RESULTS The investigation highlighted significant sex disparities in 14 pelvic bone parameters and 3 soft tissue parameters.Males demonstrated larger measurements in pelvic depth and overall curvature,smaller measurements in pelvic width,a larger mesorectal fat area,and a larger anterior-posterior abdominal diameter.By contrast,females exhibited wider pelvises,shallower depth,smaller overall curvature,and an increased amount of subcutaneous fat tissue.However,there were no significant sex differences observed in certain parameters such as sacral curvature height,superior pubococcygeal diameter,rectal area,visceral fat area,waist circumference,and transverse abdominal diameter.CONCLUSION The reconstruction of 3D CT data enabled accurate pelvic measurements,revealing significant sex differences in both pelvic and soft tissue parameters.This study design offer potential in predicting surgical difficulties and creating personalized surgical plans for male rectal cancer patients with a potentially“difficult pelvis”,ultimately improving surgical outcomes.Further research and utilization of these parameters could lead to enhanced surgical methods and patient care in laparoscopic rectal cancer radical surgery.展开更多
Women represent the majority of patients with psychiatric diagnoses and also the largest users of psychotropic drugs.There are inevitable differences in efficacy,side effects and long-term treatment response between m...Women represent the majority of patients with psychiatric diagnoses and also the largest users of psychotropic drugs.There are inevitable differences in efficacy,side effects and long-term treatment response between men and women.Psychopharmacological research needs to develop adequately powered animal and human trials aimed to consider pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of central nervous system drugs in both male and female subjects.Healthcare professionals have the responsibility to prescribe sex-specific psychopharmacotherapies with a priority to differentiate between men and women in order to minimize adverse drugs reactions,to maximize therapeutic effectiveness and to provide personalized management of care.展开更多
Angles-only relative orbit determination for space non-cooperative targets based on passive sensor is subject to weakly observable problem of the relative state between two spacecraft. Previously, the evidence for ang...Angles-only relative orbit determination for space non-cooperative targets based on passive sensor is subject to weakly observable problem of the relative state between two spacecraft. Previously, the evidence for angles-only observability was found by using cylindrical dynamics, however, the solution of orbit determination is still not provided. This study develops a relative orbit determination algorithm with the cylindrical dynamics based on differential evolution. Firstly, the relative motion dynamics and line-of-sight measurement model for nearcircular orbit are established in cylindrical coordinate system.Secondly, the observability is qualitatively analyzed by using the dynamics and measurement model where the unobservable geometry is found. Then, the angles-only relative orbit determination problem is modeled into an optimal searching frame and an improved differential evolution algorithm is introduced to solve the problem. Finally, the proposed algorithm is verified and tested by a set of numerical simulations in the context of highEarth and low-Earth cases. The results show that initial relative orbit determination(IROD) solution with an appropriate accuracy in a relative short span is achieved, which can be used to initialize the navigation filter.展开更多
Background: Violence against women has become an international public health and human rights issue in recent decades. The violence suffered by sex workers is of little interest for research, yet it constitutes a majo...Background: Violence against women has become an international public health and human rights issue in recent decades. The violence suffered by sex workers is of little interest for research, yet it constitutes a major health and safety problem. We propose to assess the extent of the phenomenon of gender-based violence (GBV) among sex workers (SWs) in the city of Bangui in the CAR. Methodology: This is a descriptive cross-sectional epidemiological study covering the period from July to October 2021 carried out among SWs in Bangui, the capital of the CAR. Given that the SWs association had only 159 members in Bangui, an exhaustive sampling was retained. Were included in the study, any SW present during the data collection period and having given their written consent. The parameters studied were socio-demographic characteristics: age, sex, residence, level of education, marital status, and characteristics linked to violence: the notion of violence during their professional activity, the type of violence, the declaration and the declaration if necessary, the response and management of this violence. The data collected was analyzed using Epi info version 7 software. Results: Of the 159 SWs that counted the association, 108 had been included. The average age was 27.0 years with extremes of 14 and 46 years. The age groups of 25 to 34 years were the most represented (43.5%). Fifty-six SWs (51.9%) had reached the secondary level. Unemployed SWs were in the majority at 74.1%;Sixty-six (66) SWs in our sample (61.1%) had already been victims of violence during the exercise of their activity Sexual violence was the most represented (28.5%) followed by verbal violence (22.4%). Sixty-eight (62.9%) wanted to stop the professional activity of SWs and 93.1% would accept another income-generating activity in place of sex work. Conclusion: It is necessary to supervise SWs and protect them within the framework of respect for human rights, rather than criminalizing them and the exploiters flouting their human dignity and putting their lives in danger. .展开更多
基金supported by the Hainan Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China(321CXTD435)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31860523,31660339,31702059,and 32260665)the National Key R&D Program of China(2022YFC2601400)。
文摘transformer is a switch gene for sex determination in many insects, which cooperates with transformer-2 that is expressed in both sexes to regulate female differentiation, particularly in dipterans. Zeugodacus cucurbitae(Coquillett) is a very destructive pest worldwide, however, its sex determination pathway remains largely uncharacterized. Here, we show that the female sex ratio is sharply reduced with knockdown of either transformer or transformer-2 by RNA interference in early embryos of Z. cucurbitae. Most of the males grown from the embryos with transient transformer and transformer-2 suppression mated with wild-type females and produced mixed sex progeny, with one exception that produced only female progeny, and all of the few remaining males failed to mate with wild-type females and produced no progeny. The exceptional male and those males with mating failure were XX pseudomales as determined by the detection of Y chromosome-linked Maleness-on-the-Y, indicating that most XX pseudomales are not viable. The phenotypes of transformer and transformer-2 suggest that they play a key role in regulating sex determination and are required for female sexual development of Z. cucurbitae. Our results will be beneficial to the understanding of sex determination in Z. cucurbitae and can facilitate the development of genetic sexing strains for its biological control.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32325049,U22A20529,32303000)Zhejiang Provincial Natural Science Foundation(LQ24C190009)+1 种基金Ningbo Natural Science Foundation(2022J192)Zhejiang Provincial Top Key Discipline of Biological Engineering(1741000592)。
文摘In reptiles,such as the red-eared slider turtle(Trachemys scripta elegans),gonadal sex determination is highly dependent on the environmental temperature during embryonic stages.This complex process,which leads to differentiation into either testes or ovaries,is governed by the finely tuned expression of upstream genes,notably the testis-promoting gene Dmrt1 and the ovary-promoting gene Foxl2.Recent studies have identified epigenetic regulation as a crucial factor in testis development,with the H3K27me3 demethylase KDM6B being essential for Dmrt1 expression in T.s.elegans.However,whether KDM6B alone can induce testicular differentiation remains unclear.In this study,we found that overexpression of Kdm6b in T.s.elegans embryos induced the male development pathway,accompanied by a rapid increase in the gonadal expression of Dmrt1 at 31°C,a temperature typically resulting in female development.Notably,this sex reversal could be entirely rescued by Dmrt1 knockdown.These findings demonstrate that Kdm6b is sufficient for commitment to the male pathway,underscoring its role as a critical epigenetic regulator in the sex determination of the red-eared slider turtle.
文摘Reproduction via cis-binary mechanisms appears to have evolved fairly early in the evolution of complex organisms, and a system committed to prior to evolution of humans. While the evolution of a chromosomal-specific approach has been a successful strategy for survival of a large variety of species including humans, the fidelity of sex determination leading to 100% cis-binary outcomes is not achieved in many species, with evidence for homosexual or bisexual behaviour evident in more than 1500 species. Thus, such outcomes indicates that sex determination is a multi-step process and not a single event, and as such, could lead to the appearance of variants during the process which developed much earlier than humans. Variants could arise either due to intrinsic variation in the steps of determination, or also be influenced by environmental factors of a biological or psychological nature. In contrast to homosexual variants which do not require interventions such as hormone therapy or surgery, expression of gender dysphoria, is more based in psychology, but also has biological underpinnings and can be influenced by such hormonal interventions and surgery. While the numbers of those with gender dysphoria is small (~0.6% - 1.0% of population), the attention given to this issue raises the possibility of biological and psychological environmental factors impacting the emergence of some of those expressing gender dysphoria. Furthermore, transitioning from male-to-female or female-to-male can have consequences regarding disease risks latter in life, including the appearance of autoimmune diseases. This review will attempt to review some of the evidence regarding sex determination, discuss why the system has potentially not been improved upon during evolution, how a potential role for sex chromosome function on neurodevelopment may be central to variation in humans, and how commitment to the current strategy is likely integrated into other sex-related events such as puberty, pregnancy, and menopause to ensure species survival. It will also discuss how variants in sex determination could contribute to sex differences in disease risk and how epigenetic modifications could play a role in such risk. .
基金supported by the the National Natural Science Foundation of China (31702059, 31860523, and 31660339)the Hainan Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China (321CXTD435)。
文摘The initiation of sex differentiation in insects is regulated by primary sex determination signals.In the Medfly Ceratitis capitata and other tephritids,Maleness-on-the-Y(MoY) is the master gene for male sex determination.However,the primary signal in Zeugodacus cucurbitae(Coquillett),a very destructive tephritid pest across the world,remains ambiguous.In this study,we have isolated and characterized the Medfly MoY homolog in Z.cucurbitae,ZcMoY.ZcMOY protein shows high sequence conservation to its homologs in Bactrocera species.ZcMoY transcription begins and peaks at very early embryonic stages and then becomes undetectable except the testes and heads of day 1 male adults.Silencing ZcMoY in early embryos by RNAi causes abnormal external genitalia and interior reproductive organs,giving rise to intersexes and feminization of XY individuals.The expression pattern and knockdown phenotypes of ZcMoY indicate that ZcMoY plays a key role in regulating sex determination of Z.cucurbitae males.Our findings will help the understanding of sex determination in Z.cucurbitae and facilitate the development of genetic sexing strains in its biological control.
基金financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32072176,31271814)the Outstanding Youth Funds of Anhui Province(2208085J31)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(JZ2022HGQA0232,JZ2022HGTA0316)。
文摘In the present study,we investigated the intervention effects of a purified Polygonatum cyrtonema polysaccharide(PCP)on high-fat diet(HFD)-induced atherosclerosis in male and female LDLr-/-mice.Results showed that HFD caused severe dyslipidemia,atherosclerotic lesions,oxidative damages and inflammation in male and female mice,and these effects seemed to be more pronounced in males than in females.However,the above variations could be dose-dependently reversed by PCP treatment,and the intervention effects on males were greater than those on females.Nuclear factor kappa-B(NF-κB),mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPKs)and protein kinase B(Akt)are 3 pivotal signaling pathways mediating the development of atherosclerosis.Consistently,PCP was also found to significantly decrease the phosphorylation of p65,p38,extracellular-regulated kinase 1/2(ERK1/2)and Akt,and increase the protein expression of inhibitor of NF-κB(IκB)in the aortas of male and female mice induced by HFD.Taken together,these findings indicated that PCP could be effective for the prevention of atherosclerosis,and the intervention effect of PCP on male mice was more obvious than that of female mice.
基金Supported by Chongqing Fundamental Research Funds,No.jbky20210001Key Programs of Technological Innovation and Application Development of Chongqing,China,No.cstc2021jscx-dxwtBX0016+2 种基金Natural Science Foundation of Chongqing,No.cstc2021jcyjmsxmX0793Science and Technology Project in Social Livelihood of Bishan District,Chongqing,China,No.BSKJ0078 and No.BSKJ0075Performance Incentive-oriented Project of Chongqing,No.jxjl20220007。
文摘BACKGROUND The modified Xiaoyao San(MXS)formula is an adjuvant drug recommended by the National Health Commission of China for the treatment of liver cancer,which has the effect of preventing postoperative recurrence and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma and prolonging patient survival.However,the molecular mechanisms underlying that remain unclear.AIM To investigate the role and mechanisms of MXS in ameliorating hepatic injury,steatosis and inflammation.METHODS A choline-deficient/high-fat diet-induced rat nonalcoholic steatohepatitis(NASH)model was used to examine the effects of MXS on lipid accumulation in primary hepatocytes.Liver tissues were collected for western blotting and immunohisto chemistry(IHC)assays.Lipid accumulation and hepatic fibrosis were detected using oil red staining and Sirius red staining.The serum samples were collected for biochemical assays and NMR-based metabonomics analysis.The inflammation/lipid metabolism-related signaling and regulators in liver tissues were also detected to reveal the molecular mechanisms of MXS against NASH.RESULTS MXS showed a significant decrease in lipid accumulation and inflammatory response in hepatocytes under metabolic stress.The western blotting and IHC results indicated that MXS activated AMPK pathway but inhibited the expression of key regulators related to lipid accumulation,inflammation and hepatic fibrosis in the pathogenesis of NASH.The metabonomics analysis systemically indicated that the arachidonic acid metabolism and steroid hormone synthesis are the two main target metabolic pathways for MXS to ameliorate liver inflammation and hepatic steatosis.Mechanistically,we found that MXS protected against NASH by attenuating the sex hormone-related metabolism,especially the metabolism of male hormones.CONCLUSION MXS ameliorates inflammation and hepatic steatosis of NASH by inhibiting the metabolism of male hormones.Targeting male hormone related metabolic pathways may be the potential therapeutic approach for NASH.
文摘BACKGROUND Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)increases cardiovascular disease(CVD)risk irrespective of other risk factors.However,large-scale cardiovascular sex and race differences are poorly understood.AIM To investigate the relationship between NAFLD and major cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events(MACCE)in subgroups using a nationally representative United States inpatient sample.METHODS We examined National Inpatient Sample(2019)to identify adult hospitalizations with NAFLD by age,sex,and race using ICD-10-CM codes.Clinical and demographic characteristics,comorbidities,and MACCE-related mortality,acute myocardial infarction(AMI),cardiac arrest,and stroke were compared in NAFLD cohorts by sex and race.Multivariable regression analyses were adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics,hospitalization features,and comorbidities.RESULTS We examined 409130 hospitalizations[median 55(IQR 43-66)years]with NFALD.NAFLD was more common in females(1.2%),Hispanics(2%),and Native Americans(1.9%)than whites.Females often reported non-elective admissions,Medicare enrolment,the median age of 55(IQR 42-67),and poor income.Females had higher obesity and uncomplicated diabetes but lower hypertension,hyperlipidemia,and complicated diabetes than males.Hispanics had a median age of 48(IQR 37-60),were Medicaid enrollees,and had non-elective admissions.Hispanics had greater diabetes and obesity rates than whites but lower hypertension and hyperlipidemia.MACCE,all-cause mortality,AMI,cardiac arrest,and stroke were all greater in elderly individuals(P<0.001).MACCE,AMI,and cardiac arrest were more common in men(P<0.001).Native Americans(aOR 1.64)and Asian Pacific Islanders(aOR 1.18)had higher all-cause death risks than whites.CONCLUSION Increasing age and male sex link NAFLD with adverse MACCE outcomes;Native Americans and Asian Pacific Islanders face higher mortality,highlighting a need for tailored interventions and care.
基金supported by funding from the National Key Research and Development Program of China(Grant No.2021 YFA1100500)The Major Research Plan of the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.92159202)+3 种基金Key Program,National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.81930016)National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.82300743)Zhejiang Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.LQ23H160044)Key Research&Development Program of Zhejiang Province(Grant Nos.2019C03050,2022C03108,and 2021C03118)。
文摘Objective:Sex-specific differences are observed in various liver diseases,but the influence of sex on the outcomes of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)after liver transplantation(LT)remains to be determined.This study is the first Chinese nationwide investigation of the role of sex in post-LT outcomes in patients with HCC.Methods:Data for recipients with HCC registered in the China Liver Transplant Registry between January 2015 and December 2020 were analyzed.The associations between donor,recipient,or donor-recipient transplant patterns by sex and the post-LT outcomes were studied with propensity score matching(PSM).The survival associated with different sex-based donor-recipient transplant patterns was further studied.Results:Among 3,769 patients enrolled in this study,the 1-,3-,and 5-year overall survival(OS)rates of patients with HCC after LT were 96.1%,86.4%,and 78.5%,respectively,in female recipients,and 95.8%,79.0%,and 70.7%,respectively,in male recipients after PSM(P=0.009).However,the OS was comparable between recipients with female donors and male donors.Multivariate analysis indicated that male recipient sex was a risk factor for post-LT survival(HR=1.381,P=0.046).Among the donor-recipient transplant patterns,the male-male donor-recipient transplant pattern was associated with the poorest post-LT survival(P<0.05).Conclusions:Our findings highlighted that the post-LT outcomes of female recipients were significantly superior to those of male recipients,and the male-male donor-recipient transplant pattern was associated with the poorest post-LT survival.Livers from male donors may provide the most benefit to female recipients.Our results indicate that sex should be considered as a critical factor in organ allocation.
文摘Objectives: Sex work is not well documented among African men. The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiological profile of men who have sex with men (MSM) and eventually to determine the proportion of sex workers (SW) among them, as well as the proportion of MSM who have been victims of gender-based violence (GBV). Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study coordinated by the Direction de la Médecine du Travail was carried out at the headquarters of the association ALTERNATIVES in Bangui Bangui from July 1 to October 31, 2021. Consenting MSM present during the study period were systematically included. Sociodemographic variables, those relating to the future vision of the activity and to GBV were collected and analyzed using Epi-Info version 7 software. Results: Forty MSM with an average age of 23 years and mainly secondary education (75.0%) were included. The vast majority of MSM were unemployed (85.0%). 45.0% had been victims of GBV and wanted to stop working as an MSM (47.5%), and almost 2/3 (65.0%) would accept another income-generating activity in exchange for the MSM. Violence was sexual (32.5%), economic (22.5%), physical (20.0%), verbal (12.5%) and psychological (12.5%). Conclusion: The MSM were mainly young, poorly educated, unemployed, and almost half were victims of GBV. The desire to change MSM activity to another income-generating activity alongside that of MSM shows that many of them are SW, workers in the informal sector. This must be taken into account in prevention activities, even if the data needs to be confirmed on a much larger sample.
基金financially supported by the Hungarian National Research,Development and Innovation Office(NKFIH,grant K132490 to AL and grant PD142106 to IP)by the HUN-REN Hungarian Research Network(grant 16007 to AL)by the Sustainable Development and Technologies National Programme of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences(NP2022-II-6/2022)。
文摘Sex-biased mortality can occur in birds during development,for example due to sexual differences in energy requirement and/or environmental sensitivity,or the effects of sex hormones or sex differences in the expression of mutations linked to sex chromosomes.The extent of sex-bias in mortality may also be related to environmental conditions that influence offspring development and survival.Urban areas often provide poorer conditions for nestling development resulting in higher offspring mortality compared to natural areas,which may accelerate sex differences in offspring mortality in cities.To test this hypothesis,we examined the sex ratio of dead offspring in Great Tits(Parus major),using 427 samples of unhatched eggs and dead nestlings collected in two urban and two forest sites between 2013 and 2019.The ratio of males in the whole sample of dead offspring(56.9%)was significantly higher than expected by an 1:1 ratio,and the strongest sex biases were detected in urban areas(57.6%males)and in young nestlings(<14 days old,59.0%males).However,the sex ratios of dead offspring did not differ significantly among study sites and between offspring developmental stages.29.3%of unhatched eggs contained a visible embryo,and the proportion of embryo-containing unhatched eggs did not differ significantly between urban and forest study sites.These results suggest male-biased offspring mortality in Great Tits,and highlight the need of large datasets to detect subtle differences between habitats and developmental stages.
文摘Objective:To conduct changes in sexual activity during pregnancy and its related factors in pregnant women.Methods:The present descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 2017 on pregnant women who referred to the women's clinic of Afzalipour Hospital in the southeast of Iran.Participants were included in the study through convenient sampling.The data collection tool was a researcher-made questionnaire consisting of two parts of personal social information of the couple and questions to measure the level of sexual activity and the attitude of the subjects during pregnancy compared to before pregnancy.Results:201 Pregnant women were included.The average age of pregnant women was(27.3±6.1)years and their average gestational age was(24.7±11.8)years.More than 62%of women had decreased sexual activity.There was a significant relationship between the amount of changes in sexual activity and delivery time(P=0.013),abortion history(P=0.001)and premature birth history(P=0.002).Most pregnant women believed that sex during pregnancy caused damage to the fetus(67.7%).A decrease in the intensity of sexual desire was reported in 63%of pregnant women.More than 60%of the subjects did not consult with doctors and midwives with regards to sexual issues(63.5%).The most common reason for not consulting was not feeling the need(32%).Most women experienced back pain during(42.8%)and after(39.8%)intercourse.Conclusions:Changes in sex life during pregnancy are often caused by the lack of sexual knowledge and the increase in misconceptions among couples,which can affect the quality of relationships.The role of education is essential.Therefore,it is suggested that by including sexual counseling along with pregnancy care,wrong beliefs and information among women will be corrected.
文摘Background: Early sexual intercourse (ESI) is a global public health problem. In Congo, associated factors with ESI have been under-studied. Objective: To analyse factors associated with early sexual intercourse among in-school adolescents in Brazzaville. Method: A cross-sectional analytic study with three-stage random sampling was carried out from March 2 to June 2, 2022 in Brazzaville secondary and high schools. Adolescents in the selected schools were interviewed about their sexual and social behaviour, and their family and school environment. Multivariate analysis using logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with ESI. The significance level of the p-value was set at 5% and the confidence interval at 95%. Results: Of a total of 1100 adolescents surveyed, 800 (72.7%) had ESI, 98% of them were female. The main reason for early initiation of sexual intercourse was curiosity (81.8%). Non-use of condoms and multiple sexual partnerships were noted respectively in 98.7% and 68.7% of adolescents who had experienced ESI. Female gender (p Conclusion: The prevalence of ESI is high, and the factors identified in this study may help to reduce it.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31970472,32272547)the National Science Fund of Henan Province for Distinguished Young Scholars,China(202300410191)+3 种基金the Basic Research Project of the Key Scientific Research Projects of Universities in Henan Province,China(21zx013)the Henan Agricultural Research System,China(HARS-2209-G3)the Henan Special Support for High-Level Talents Central Plains Science and Technology Innovation Leading Talents,China(224200510018)the earmarked fund for China Agricultural Research System(CARS-27)。
文摘Conogethes punctiferalis is a crop and fruit pest that has caused serious economic losses to agricultural production.This pest relies heavily on its sex pheromone to ensure sexual encounters and subsequent mating success.However,the molecular mechanism underlying sex pheromone biosynthesis in this species remains elusive.The present study investigated the detailed mechanism underlying PBAN-regulated sex pheromone biosynthesis in C.punctiferalis by transcriptome sequencing of the C.punctiferalis pheromone glands(PGs)and subsequent functional identification of the target genes.The results showed that female mating started from the first scotophase,and peaked at the second to fifth scotophases in accordance with the release of sex pheromones.PBAN regulated sex pheromone biosynthesis by employing Ca^(2+)and cAMP as secondary messengers,as demonstrated by RNA interference(RNAi),pharmacological inhibitors,and behavioral assays.Further investigation revealed that calcineurin(CaN)and acetyl-CoA carboxylase(ACC)were activated by PBAN/Ca^(2+)signaling,and the RNAimediated knockdown of CaN and ACC transcripts significantly reduced sex pheromone production,ultimately leading to a significantly reduced ability of females to attract males.Importantly,hexokinase(HK)was found to regulate sex pheromone biosynthesis in response to the PBAN/cAMP/PKA signaling pathway,as demonstrated by RNAi,enzyme activity,and pharmacological inhibitor assays.Furthermore,Far2 and Desaturase1 were found to participate in PBAN-regulated sex pheromone biosynthesis.Altogether,our findings revealed that PBAN regulates sex pheromone biosynthesis through the PBANR/Ca^(2+)/CaN/ACC and PBANR/cAMP/PKA/HK pathways in C.punctiferalis,which enriches our comprehension of the details of sex pheromone biosynthesis in moths.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No.32171843)the Postgraduate Scientific Research Innovation Project of Hunan Province (Grant No.CX20200696)the Scientific Innovation Fund for Graduate of Central South University of Forestry and Technology (Grant No.CX20201003)。
文摘The mu oil tree(Vernicia montana Lour.) is a dioecious species, but the genetic mechanisms underlying its phenotypic sexual dimorphism are unclear. In this study, we determined two pivotal phases of sex differentiation of mu oil tree via morphological and histological analyses of unisexual flowers:(Ⅰ) differentiation of male or female primordia to produce staminate flowers(SFs) or transient hermaphrodite flowers(HFs),and(Ⅱ) complete abortion of stamens in transient HFs to generate pistillate flowers(PFs). A total of 1621 sex-biased genes were identified by comparative transcriptome analysis which exhibited elevated rates of protein evolution than unbiased genes. The female-biased genes were enriched in the production of defense compounds while male-biased genes were focused on the production of viable pollens. Transcriptomebased analysis revealed that the differentially expressed genes(DEGs) between PFs and SFs in phase Ⅰ involved in abscisic acid(ABA), auxin(AUX), cytokinin(CK), ethylene(ET), and gibberellin(GA) biosynthesis and signaling showed higher expression levels in males than in females in general, whereas the DEGs involved in jasmonic acid(JA) and salicylic acid(SA) pathways displayed opposite expression patterns. Moreover,differentially expressed endogenous ABA, AUX, GAs, JA, and SA exhibited consistent biased expression patterns with the DEGs by UPLC-MSbased analysis. Exogenous application of an anti-ethylene plant growth regulator could promote the development of stamens in PFs and generated HFs. Comparative transcriptomic and hormonal analyses of PFs and SFs in phase Ⅱ indicated an increase in ET concentration when abortion of stamens in PFs occurred. This study suggested that phytohormones play key roles in sex dimorphism and ET may determine the development of stamens in PFs of mu oil tree, which provides an insight into plant sex differentiation mechanisms.
基金supported by the National Key R&D Program of China(2022YFA1304204)National Natural Science Foundation of China(31772579).
文摘Background Sex hormones play important roles in the estrus return of post-weaning sows.Previous studies have demonstrated a complex and bi-directional regulation between sex hormones and gut microbiota.However,the extent to which the gut microbiota affects estrus return of post-weaning sows is largely unknown.Results In this study,we first screened 207 fecal samples from well-phenotyped sows by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and identified significant associations between microbes and estrus return of post-weaning sows.Using metagenomic sequencing data from 85 fecal samples,we identified 37 bacterial species that were significantly associated with estrus return.Normally returning sows were characterized by increased abundances of L.reuteri and P.copri and decreased abundances of B.fragilis,S.suis,and B.pseudolongum.The changes in gut microbial composition significantly altered the functional capacity of steroid hormone biosynthesis in the gut microbiome.The results were confirmed in a validation cohort.Significant changes in sex steroid hormones and related compounds were found between normal and non-return sows via metabolome analysis.An integrated analysis of differential bacterial species,metagenome,and fecal metabolome provided evidence that normal return-associated bacterial species L.reuteri and Prevotella spp.participated in the degradation of pregnenolone,progesterone,and testosterone,thereby promoting estrogen biosynthesis.Furthermore,the microbial metabolites related to sow energy and nutrient supply or metabolic disorders also showed relationships with sow estrus return.Conclusions An integrated analysis of differentially abundant bacterial species,metagenome,and fecal metabolome revealed the involvement of L.reuteri and Prevotella spp.in sow estrus return.These findings provide deep insight into the role of gut microbiota in the estrus return of post-weaning sows and the complex cross-talk between gut microbiota and sex hormones,suggesting that the manipulation of the gut microbiota could be an effective strategy to improve sow estrus return after weaning.
文摘Background: Infertility is characterized by the inability to conceive after a year of regular unprotected intercourse. Aims: This study aimed to investigate the diagnostic value of sex hormone levels during different physiological periods in the diagnosis of infertility patients. Methods: From December 2019 to May 2021, a total of 93 infertility patients were admitted and selected as the observation group. Among them, 31 cases were in the follicular stage, 31 cases in the ovulation stage, and 31 cases in the luteal stage. Ninety-three healthy women for fertility evaluation due to male infertility were selected as the control group. The control group included 31 women in the follicular phase, 31 women in the ovulatory phase, and 31 women in the luteal phase. The levels of sex hormones (prolactin (PRL), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol (E2), testosterone (T), and progesterone (P)) during different physiological phases were compared between the observation and control groups. Results: The follicular phase showed no significant difference in LH levels between the observation group and the control group. The observation group showed higher levels of PRL and P compared to the control group, while the levels of FSH, E2, and T were lower in the observation group compared to the control group. The ovulation phase showed no significant difference in PRL levels between the two groups. The observation group showed lower levels of LH, FSH, E2, T, and P compared to the control group. The luteal phase showed no statistical difference in E2 levels between the two groups. The observation group showed higher levels of PRL, LH, and FSH compared to the control group, while the levels of T and P were lower in the observation group compared to the control group. Conclusion: Infertile women show variations in hormone levels compared to the normal levels during the follicular phase, ovulatory phase, and luteal phase.
基金2021 Zhejiang Province Public Welfare Technology Application Research Funding Project,No.LGC21H160002Basic Scientific Research Projects in Wenzhou City in 2022,No.Y20220885Wenzhou Medical University 2021 Higher Education Teaching Reform Project,No.JG2021167.
文摘BACKGROUND Laparoscopic rectal cancer radical surgery is a complex procedure affected by various factors.However,the existing literature lacks standardized parameters for the pelvic region and soft tissues,which hampers the establishment of consistent conclusions.AIM To comprehensively assess 16 pelvic and 7 soft tissue parameters through computerized tomography(CT)-based three-dimensional(3D)reconstruction,providing a strong theoretical basis to address challenges in laparoscopic rectal cancer radical surgery.METHODS We analyzed data from 218 patients who underwent radical laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer,and utilized CT data for 3D pelvic reconstruction.Specific anatomical points were carefully marked and measured using advanced 3D modeling software.To analyze the pelvic and soft tissue parameters,we emp-loyed statistical methods including paired sample t-tests,Wilcoxon rank-sum tests,and correlation analysis.RESULTS The investigation highlighted significant sex disparities in 14 pelvic bone parameters and 3 soft tissue parameters.Males demonstrated larger measurements in pelvic depth and overall curvature,smaller measurements in pelvic width,a larger mesorectal fat area,and a larger anterior-posterior abdominal diameter.By contrast,females exhibited wider pelvises,shallower depth,smaller overall curvature,and an increased amount of subcutaneous fat tissue.However,there were no significant sex differences observed in certain parameters such as sacral curvature height,superior pubococcygeal diameter,rectal area,visceral fat area,waist circumference,and transverse abdominal diameter.CONCLUSION The reconstruction of 3D CT data enabled accurate pelvic measurements,revealing significant sex differences in both pelvic and soft tissue parameters.This study design offer potential in predicting surgical difficulties and creating personalized surgical plans for male rectal cancer patients with a potentially“difficult pelvis”,ultimately improving surgical outcomes.Further research and utilization of these parameters could lead to enhanced surgical methods and patient care in laparoscopic rectal cancer radical surgery.
文摘Women represent the majority of patients with psychiatric diagnoses and also the largest users of psychotropic drugs.There are inevitable differences in efficacy,side effects and long-term treatment response between men and women.Psychopharmacological research needs to develop adequately powered animal and human trials aimed to consider pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of central nervous system drugs in both male and female subjects.Healthcare professionals have the responsibility to prescribe sex-specific psychopharmacotherapies with a priority to differentiate between men and women in order to minimize adverse drugs reactions,to maximize therapeutic effectiveness and to provide personalized management of care.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (12272168)the Foundation of Science and Technology on Space Intelligent Control Laboratory (HTKJ2023KL502015)。
文摘Angles-only relative orbit determination for space non-cooperative targets based on passive sensor is subject to weakly observable problem of the relative state between two spacecraft. Previously, the evidence for angles-only observability was found by using cylindrical dynamics, however, the solution of orbit determination is still not provided. This study develops a relative orbit determination algorithm with the cylindrical dynamics based on differential evolution. Firstly, the relative motion dynamics and line-of-sight measurement model for nearcircular orbit are established in cylindrical coordinate system.Secondly, the observability is qualitatively analyzed by using the dynamics and measurement model where the unobservable geometry is found. Then, the angles-only relative orbit determination problem is modeled into an optimal searching frame and an improved differential evolution algorithm is introduced to solve the problem. Finally, the proposed algorithm is verified and tested by a set of numerical simulations in the context of highEarth and low-Earth cases. The results show that initial relative orbit determination(IROD) solution with an appropriate accuracy in a relative short span is achieved, which can be used to initialize the navigation filter.
文摘Background: Violence against women has become an international public health and human rights issue in recent decades. The violence suffered by sex workers is of little interest for research, yet it constitutes a major health and safety problem. We propose to assess the extent of the phenomenon of gender-based violence (GBV) among sex workers (SWs) in the city of Bangui in the CAR. Methodology: This is a descriptive cross-sectional epidemiological study covering the period from July to October 2021 carried out among SWs in Bangui, the capital of the CAR. Given that the SWs association had only 159 members in Bangui, an exhaustive sampling was retained. Were included in the study, any SW present during the data collection period and having given their written consent. The parameters studied were socio-demographic characteristics: age, sex, residence, level of education, marital status, and characteristics linked to violence: the notion of violence during their professional activity, the type of violence, the declaration and the declaration if necessary, the response and management of this violence. The data collected was analyzed using Epi info version 7 software. Results: Of the 159 SWs that counted the association, 108 had been included. The average age was 27.0 years with extremes of 14 and 46 years. The age groups of 25 to 34 years were the most represented (43.5%). Fifty-six SWs (51.9%) had reached the secondary level. Unemployed SWs were in the majority at 74.1%;Sixty-six (66) SWs in our sample (61.1%) had already been victims of violence during the exercise of their activity Sexual violence was the most represented (28.5%) followed by verbal violence (22.4%). Sixty-eight (62.9%) wanted to stop the professional activity of SWs and 93.1% would accept another income-generating activity in place of sex work. Conclusion: It is necessary to supervise SWs and protect them within the framework of respect for human rights, rather than criminalizing them and the exploiters flouting their human dignity and putting their lives in danger. .
