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 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
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
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
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
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
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 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
Objective:To analyze the effect of thyroid-stimulating hormone(TSH)suppression therapy on sex hormone levels in patients undergoing postoperative treatment for thyroid cancer.Methods:A total of 40 patients undergoing ...Objective:To analyze the effect of thyroid-stimulating hormone(TSH)suppression therapy on sex hormone levels in patients undergoing postoperative treatment for thyroid cancer.Methods:A total of 40 patients undergoing postoperative thyroid cancer treatment were selected for data analysis.TSH suppression therapy was implemented during the postoperative period.Patients were grouped according to the TSH level:TSH<0.1,0.1≤TSH<0.5,and TSH≥0.5.Results:Among male patients,there were no significant differences in sex hormone levels at different dosing times and TSH levels(P>0.05).For female patients,testosterone levels at different dosing times showed no significant differences under the same circumstances(P>0.05).The comparison of testosterone levels at different TSH levels over 5 years of TSH suppression therapy did not yield significant differences(P>0.05).However,the comparison of testosterone levels within 5 years of TSH suppression therapy yielded significant differences(P<0.05),with the lowest levels observed at 0.1≤TSH<0.5.Conclusion:The use of TSH suppression therapy in postoperative thyroid cancer treatment minimally affects sex hormone levels in male patients.However,it has a significant impact on female patients.Therefore,preoperative sex hormone testing is recommended,and postoperative monitoring should include regular sex hormone testing.展开更多
Sex has a significant effect on various traits among dioecious plants.In this analysis of the sex effect on the radial growth and wood density of numerous 20-yearold trees of Populus deltoides growing in a common gard...Sex has a significant effect on various traits among dioecious plants.In this analysis of the sex effect on the radial growth and wood density of numerous 20-yearold trees of Populus deltoides growing in a common garden,male trees performed better than the females in radial growth,but sex did not significantly affect wood density.Growth rate and wood density were weakly negatively correlated.Sex selection is also critical for controlling seed-hair pollution from P.deltoides plantations.However,because the juvenile period of P.deltoides lasts for years,a reliable technique to determine the sex of juveniles has been needed.Here we developed a marker-aided technique to discriminate the sexes of P.deltoides seedlings.This study provides essential information on target traits and a highly desirable genetic toolkit for accelerate breeding programs for this important tree species.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
The tea tussock moth(Euproctis pseudoconspersa)is one of the most destructive chewing pests in tea plantations and causes a serious allergic reaction on the skin of tea plantation workers.The sex pheromone components ...The tea tussock moth(Euproctis pseudoconspersa)is one of the most destructive chewing pests in tea plantations and causes a serious allergic reaction on the skin of tea plantation workers.The sex pheromone components of its Japanese population were first identified as 10,14-dimethylpentadecyl isobutyrate(10Me14Me-15:iBu)and 14-methylpentadecyl isobutyrate(14Me-15:iBu),with a stereogenic center.Only 10Me14Me-15:iBu has been identified in the Chinese E.pseudoconspersa population.However,field tests have shown that 10Me14Me-15:iBu cannot meet the demand of effective pest control in China.To develop a high-efficiency E.pseudoconspersa sex pheromone formula,electroantennogram(EAG)recordings of(S)-and(R)-enantiomers of 10Me14Me-15:iBu and 14Me-15:iBu were obtained in the present study.The results demonstrated that the EAG responses of male antennae to(R)-enantiomers were significantly higher than responses to the(S)-enantiomers,and 14Me-15:iBu also elicited EAG activity.Field tests showed that the catch numbers of male moths by(R)-enantiomers were significantly higher(P<0.05)than those of(S)-enantiomers.Addition of 14Me-15:iBu significantly increased the catch numbers of both the(S)-and(R)-enantiomers.The efficient pheromone formula containing 0.75 mg(R)-10Me14Me-15:iBu and 0.1 mg 14Me-15:iBu showed significantly higher attractiveness than commercial pheromone products.Our study demonstrated that(R)-10Me14Me-15:iBu was the major sex pheromone component of E.pseudoconspersa,and 14Me-15:iBu might be the minor sex pheromone component.Furthermore,a high-efficiency sex pheromone formula for E.pseudoconspersa control was defined in this study.展开更多
Identifying the sex pheromone systems of local pest populations facilitates their management,especially for moth species that show significant geographic variation in sex pheromone communication.We investigated the ph...Identifying the sex pheromone systems of local pest populations facilitates their management,especially for moth species that show significant geographic variation in sex pheromone communication.We investigated the pheromone production and behavioral responses of the Asian corn borer(Ostrinia furnacalis Guenée;ACB)in Xinjiang,China.The ACB produces three compounds:(Z)-12-tetradecenyl acetate(Z12-14:Ac)and(E)-12-tetradecenyl acetate(E12-14:Ac)which are two sex pheromone compounds,and n-tetradecyl acetate(14:Ac)which has variable roles in mediating behavioral responses.The ratios of these three compounds produced in female gland are geographically distinct among different populations.Quantitative analysis of pheromone production showed that the proportions of Z12-14:Ac in the E/Z isomers(i.e.,Z and E12-14:Ac)and the proportions of 14:Ac in the ternary blend respectively averaged 60.46%(SD=5.26)and 25.00%(SD=7.37),with their probabilities normally or near-normally distributed.Trapping experiments in a cornfield indicated that deploying the E/Z isomers and the three compounds in rubber septa close to their gland ratios yielded the most captured males,while other ratios that deviated from the gland ratios showed reduced field captures.The ternary blend was significantly more attractive to males than the E/Z isomers in the field,indicating a functional role of 14:Ac as the third pheromone component used by the local population.Additionally,the dose-response test demonstrated that the application of the three compounds at dosages between 200 and 350μg attracted significantly more males compared to other dosages.Therefore,the characterization of this local ACB pheromone system provides additional information about its geographic variation and serves as a basis for optimizing the pheromone-mediated control of this pest in Xinjiang.展开更多
There are many documented sex differences in the clinical course,symptom expression profile,and treatment response of Parkinson’s disease,creating additional challenges for patient management.Although subthalamic nuc...There are many documented sex differences in the clinical course,symptom expression profile,and treatment response of Parkinson’s disease,creating additional challenges for patient management.Although subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation is an established therapy for Parkinson’s disease,the effects of sex on treatment outcome are still unclear.The aim of this retrospective observational study,was to examine sex differences in motor symptoms,nonmotor symptoms,and quality of life after subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation.Outcome measures were evaluated at 1 and 12 months post-operation in 90 patients with Parkinson’s disease undergoing subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation aged 63.00±8.01 years(55 men and 35 women).Outcomes of clinical evaluations were compared between sexes via a Student’s t-test and within sex via a paired-sample t-test,and generalized linear models were established to identify factors associated with treatment efficacy and intensity for each sex.We found that subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation could improve motor symptoms in men but not women in the on-medication condition at 1 and 12 months post-operation.Restless legs syndrome was alleviated to a greater extent in men than in women.Women demonstrated poorer quality of life at baseline and achieved less improvement of quality of life than men after subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation.Furthermore,Hoehn-Yahr stage was positively correlated with the treatment response in men,while levodopa equivalent dose at 12 months post-operation was negatively correlated with motor improvement in women.In conclusion,women received less benefit from subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation than men in terms of motor symptoms,non-motor symptoms,and quality of life.We found sex-specific factors,i.e.,Hoehn-Yahr stage and levodopa equivalent dose,that were related to motor improvements.These findings may help to guide subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation patient selection,prognosis,and stimulation programming for optimal therapeutic efficacy in Parkinson’s disease.展开更多
Background:Females are typically less fatigable than males during sustained isometric contractions at lower isometric contraction intensities.This sex difference in fatigability becomes more variable during higher int...Background:Females are typically less fatigable than males during sustained isometric contractions at lower isometric contraction intensities.This sex difference in fatigability becomes more variable during higher intensity isometric and dynamic contractions.While less fatiguing than isometric or concentric contractions,eccentric contractions induce greater and longer lasting impairments in force production.However,it is not clear how muscle weakness influences fatigability in males and females during sustained isometric contractions.Methods:We investigated the effects of eccentric exercise-induced muscle weakness on time to task failure(TTF)during a sustained submaximal isometric contraction in young(18-30 years)healthy males(n=9)and females(n=10).Participants performed a sustained isometric contraction of the dorsiflexors at 35°plantar flexion by matching a 30%maximal voluntary contraction(MVC)torque target until task failure(i.e.,falling below 5%of their target torque for>2 s).The same sustained isometric contraction was repeated 30 min after 150 maximal eccentric contractions.Agonist and antagonist activation were assessed using surface electromyography over the tibialis anterior and soleus muscles,respectively.Results:Males were~41%stronger than females.Following eccentric exercise both males and females experienced an~20%decline in maximal voliuntary contraction torque.TTF was-34%longer in females than males prior to eccentic exercise-induced muscle weakness.However,following eccentric exercise-induced muscle weakness,this sex-related difference was abolished,with both groups having an"45%shorter TTF.Notably,there was~100%greater antagonist activation in the female group during the sustained isometric contraction following exercise-induced weakness as compared to the males.Conclusion:This increase in antagonist activation disadvantaged females by decreasing their TTF,resulting in a blunting of their typical fatigability advantage over males.展开更多
Long non-coding RNAs(lncRNAs)regulate a variety of biological processes,including sexual reproduction and differentiation.Saccharina japonica,a commercially important brown alga in China,shows remarkable sexual dimorp...Long non-coding RNAs(lncRNAs)regulate a variety of biological processes,including sexual reproduction and differentiation.Saccharina japonica,a commercially important brown alga in China,shows remarkable sexual dimorphism in haploid gametophytes.The sex of Saccharina japonica gametophytes is determined by UV sexual system.However,no results have been reported on the lncRNAs involved in the sex-related gene regulation of S.japonica.This study identified a number of lncRNAs and assessed their expression levels in male and female gametophytes.Among them,a total of 405 lncRNAs and 211 mRNAs showed differential expressions.Furthermore,the functions of target genes of differentially expressed lncRNAs(DELs)differed from those of differentially expressed genes(DEGs),suggesting that lncRNA may interact with other functional proteins,in addition to DEGs,to involve sex regulation in S.japonica.There were 32 and 90 potential cis-regulatory and trans-regulatory interactions between DELsDEGs,respectively.Five of these lncRNAs(LNC_002974,LNC_021059,LNC_038466,LNC_051584,and LNC_027400)interacted with putative male sex determination region(SDR)genes,suggesting that they act as regulators in gametophytes'sex regulation potentially.Findings from this study contribute to our understanding of the roles of lncRNAs in sex differentiation and lay the foundation for functional studies of candidate lncRNAs in the future.展开更多
BACKGROUND Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(TIPS)has been extensively used to treat portal hypertension-associated complications,including cirrhosis.The prediction of post-TIPS prognosis is important for ...BACKGROUND Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(TIPS)has been extensively used to treat portal hypertension-associated complications,including cirrhosis.The prediction of post-TIPS prognosis is important for cirrhotic patients,as more aggressive liver transplantation is needed when the post-TIPS prognosis is poor.AIM To construct a nutrition-based model that could predict the disease progression of cirrhotic patients after TIPS implantation in a sex-dependent manner.METHODS This study retrospectively recruited cirrhotic patients undergoing TIPS implantation for analysis.Muscle quality was assessed by measuring the skeletal muscle index(SMI)by computed tomography.Multivariate Cox proportional hazard models were utilized to determine the association between SMI and disease progression in cirrhotic patients after TIPS implantation.RESULTS This study eventually included 186 cirrhotic patients receiving TIPS who were followed up for 30.5±18.8 mo.For male patients,the 30-mo survival rate was significantly lower and the probability of progressive events was higher(3.257-fold)in the low-level SMI group than in the high-level SMI group.According to the multivariate Cox analysis of male patients,SMI<32.8 was an independent risk factor for long-term adverse outcomes after TIPS implantation.A model was constructed,which involved creatinine,plasma ammonia,SMI,and acute-on-chronic liver failure and hepatic encephalopathy occurring within half a year after surgery.This model had an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.852,sensitivity of 0.926,and specificity of 0.652.According to the results of the DeLong test,this model outperformed other models(Child-Turcotte-Pugh,Model for End-Stage Liver Disease,and Freiburg index of post-TIPS survival)(P<0.05).CONCLUSION SMI is strongly associated with poor long-term outcomes in male patients with cirrhosis who underwent TIPS implantation.展开更多
Numerous researchers and institutions have been developing in ovo sexing technologies to improve animal welfare by identifying male embryos in an early embryonic stage and disposing of them before pain perception.This...Numerous researchers and institutions have been developing in ovo sexing technologies to improve animal welfare by identifying male embryos in an early embryonic stage and disposing of them before pain perception.This review gives a complete overview of the technological approaches reported in papers and patents by performing a thorough search using Web of Science and Patstat/Espacenet databases for papers and patents,respectively.Based on a total of 49 papers and 115 patent families reported until May 2023 worldwide,11 technology categories were defined:6 non-optical and 5 optical techniques.Every category was described for its characteristics while assessing its potential for application.Next,the dynamics of the publications of in ovo sexing techniques in both paper and patent fields were described through growth curves,and the interest or actual status was visualized using the number of paper citations and the actual legal status of the patents.When comparing the reported technologies in papers to those in patents,scientific gaps were observed,as some of the patented technologies were not reported in the scientific literature,e.g.,ion mobility and mass spectrometry approaches.Generally,more diverse approaches in all categories were found in patents,although they do require more scientific evidence through papers or industrial adoption to prove their robustness.Moreover,although there is a recent trend for non-invasive techniques,invasive methods like analyzing DNA through PCR or hormones through immunosensing are still being reported(and might continue to be)in papers and patents.It was also observed that none of the technologies complies with all the industry requirements,although 5 companies already entered the market.On the one hand,more research and harmony between consumers,industry,and governments is necessary.On the other hand,close monitoring of the market performance of the currently available techniques will offer valuable insights into the potential and expectations of in ovo sexing techniques in the poultry industry.展开更多
Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease(MAFLD)refers to the build-up of fat in the liver associated with metabolic dysfunction and has been estimated to affect a quarter of the population worldwide.Although metabolis...Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease(MAFLD)refers to the build-up of fat in the liver associated with metabolic dysfunction and has been estimated to affect a quarter of the population worldwide.Although metabolism is highly influenced by the effects of sex hormones,studies of sex differences in the incidence and progression of MAFLD are scarce.Metabolomics represents a powerful approach to studying these differences and identifying potential biomarkers and putative mechanisms.First,metabolomics makes it possible to obtain the molecular phenotype of the individual at a given time.Second,metabolomics may be a helpful tool for classifying patients according to the severity of the disease and obtaining diagnostic biomarkers.Some studies demonstrate associations between circulating metabolites and early and established MAFLD,but little is known about how metabolites relate to and encompass sex differences in disease progression and risk management.In this review,we will discuss the epidemiological metabolomic studies for sex differences in the development and progression of MAFLD,the role of metabolic profiles in understanding mechanisms and identifying sex-dependent biomarkers,and how this evidence may help in the future management of the disease.展开更多
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
文摘Objective:To analyze the effect of thyroid-stimulating hormone(TSH)suppression therapy on sex hormone levels in patients undergoing postoperative treatment for thyroid cancer.Methods:A total of 40 patients undergoing postoperative thyroid cancer treatment were selected for data analysis.TSH suppression therapy was implemented during the postoperative period.Patients were grouped according to the TSH level:TSH<0.1,0.1≤TSH<0.5,and TSH≥0.5.Results:Among male patients,there were no significant differences in sex hormone levels at different dosing times and TSH levels(P>0.05).For female patients,testosterone levels at different dosing times showed no significant differences under the same circumstances(P>0.05).The comparison of testosterone levels at different TSH levels over 5 years of TSH suppression therapy did not yield significant differences(P>0.05).However,the comparison of testosterone levels within 5 years of TSH suppression therapy yielded significant differences(P<0.05),with the lowest levels observed at 0.1≤TSH<0.5.Conclusion:The use of TSH suppression therapy in postoperative thyroid cancer treatment minimally affects sex hormone levels in male patients.However,it has a significant impact on female patients.Therefore,preoperative sex hormone testing is recommended,and postoperative monitoring should include regular sex hormone testing.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Plan of China (2021YFD2200202)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (32071795)the Key Research and Development Project of Jiangsu Province,China (BE2021366)。
文摘Sex has a significant effect on various traits among dioecious plants.In this analysis of the sex effect on the radial growth and wood density of numerous 20-yearold trees of Populus deltoides growing in a common garden,male trees performed better than the females in radial growth,but sex did not significantly affect wood density.Growth rate and wood density were weakly negatively correlated.Sex selection is also critical for controlling seed-hair pollution from P.deltoides plantations.However,because the juvenile period of P.deltoides lasts for years,a reliable technique to determine the sex of juveniles has been needed.Here we developed a marker-aided technique to discriminate the sexes of P.deltoides seedlings.This study provides essential information on target traits and a highly desirable genetic toolkit for accelerate breeding programs for this important tree species.
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the National Key R&D Program of China(2021YFD1601100)the Key Research and Development Program of Zhejiang Province,China(2019C02033)+1 种基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31701795)the earmarked fund for the China Agriculture Research System(CARS-19).
文摘The tea tussock moth(Euproctis pseudoconspersa)is one of the most destructive chewing pests in tea plantations and causes a serious allergic reaction on the skin of tea plantation workers.The sex pheromone components of its Japanese population were first identified as 10,14-dimethylpentadecyl isobutyrate(10Me14Me-15:iBu)and 14-methylpentadecyl isobutyrate(14Me-15:iBu),with a stereogenic center.Only 10Me14Me-15:iBu has been identified in the Chinese E.pseudoconspersa population.However,field tests have shown that 10Me14Me-15:iBu cannot meet the demand of effective pest control in China.To develop a high-efficiency E.pseudoconspersa sex pheromone formula,electroantennogram(EAG)recordings of(S)-and(R)-enantiomers of 10Me14Me-15:iBu and 14Me-15:iBu were obtained in the present study.The results demonstrated that the EAG responses of male antennae to(R)-enantiomers were significantly higher than responses to the(S)-enantiomers,and 14Me-15:iBu also elicited EAG activity.Field tests showed that the catch numbers of male moths by(R)-enantiomers were significantly higher(P<0.05)than those of(S)-enantiomers.Addition of 14Me-15:iBu significantly increased the catch numbers of both the(S)-and(R)-enantiomers.The efficient pheromone formula containing 0.75 mg(R)-10Me14Me-15:iBu and 0.1 mg 14Me-15:iBu showed significantly higher attractiveness than commercial pheromone products.Our study demonstrated that(R)-10Me14Me-15:iBu was the major sex pheromone component of E.pseudoconspersa,and 14Me-15:iBu might be the minor sex pheromone component.Furthermore,a high-efficiency sex pheromone formula for E.pseudoconspersa control was defined in this study.
基金supported by grants from the Key R&D Program of the Xinjiang Autonomous Region,China(2021b02002-2)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31960538)。
文摘Identifying the sex pheromone systems of local pest populations facilitates their management,especially for moth species that show significant geographic variation in sex pheromone communication.We investigated the pheromone production and behavioral responses of the Asian corn borer(Ostrinia furnacalis Guenée;ACB)in Xinjiang,China.The ACB produces three compounds:(Z)-12-tetradecenyl acetate(Z12-14:Ac)and(E)-12-tetradecenyl acetate(E12-14:Ac)which are two sex pheromone compounds,and n-tetradecyl acetate(14:Ac)which has variable roles in mediating behavioral responses.The ratios of these three compounds produced in female gland are geographically distinct among different populations.Quantitative analysis of pheromone production showed that the proportions of Z12-14:Ac in the E/Z isomers(i.e.,Z and E12-14:Ac)and the proportions of 14:Ac in the ternary blend respectively averaged 60.46%(SD=5.26)and 25.00%(SD=7.37),with their probabilities normally or near-normally distributed.Trapping experiments in a cornfield indicated that deploying the E/Z isomers and the three compounds in rubber septa close to their gland ratios yielded the most captured males,while other ratios that deviated from the gland ratios showed reduced field captures.The ternary blend was significantly more attractive to males than the E/Z isomers in the field,indicating a functional role of 14:Ac as the third pheromone component used by the local population.Additionally,the dose-response test demonstrated that the application of the three compounds at dosages between 200 and 350μg attracted significantly more males compared to other dosages.Therefore,the characterization of this local ACB pheromone system provides additional information about its geographic variation and serves as a basis for optimizing the pheromone-mediated control of this pest in Xinjiang.
基金support by the National Nature Science Foundation of China,Nos.81830033,61761166004(both to JGZ)。
文摘There are many documented sex differences in the clinical course,symptom expression profile,and treatment response of Parkinson’s disease,creating additional challenges for patient management.Although subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation is an established therapy for Parkinson’s disease,the effects of sex on treatment outcome are still unclear.The aim of this retrospective observational study,was to examine sex differences in motor symptoms,nonmotor symptoms,and quality of life after subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation.Outcome measures were evaluated at 1 and 12 months post-operation in 90 patients with Parkinson’s disease undergoing subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation aged 63.00±8.01 years(55 men and 35 women).Outcomes of clinical evaluations were compared between sexes via a Student’s t-test and within sex via a paired-sample t-test,and generalized linear models were established to identify factors associated with treatment efficacy and intensity for each sex.We found that subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation could improve motor symptoms in men but not women in the on-medication condition at 1 and 12 months post-operation.Restless legs syndrome was alleviated to a greater extent in men than in women.Women demonstrated poorer quality of life at baseline and achieved less improvement of quality of life than men after subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation.Furthermore,Hoehn-Yahr stage was positively correlated with the treatment response in men,while levodopa equivalent dose at 12 months post-operation was negatively correlated with motor improvement in women.In conclusion,women received less benefit from subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation than men in terms of motor symptoms,non-motor symptoms,and quality of life.We found sex-specific factors,i.e.,Hoehn-Yahr stage and levodopa equivalent dose,that were related to motor improvements.These findings may help to guide subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation patient selection,prognosis,and stimulation programming for optimal therapeutic efficacy in Parkinson’s disease.
基金supported by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada(NSERC)。
文摘Background:Females are typically less fatigable than males during sustained isometric contractions at lower isometric contraction intensities.This sex difference in fatigability becomes more variable during higher intensity isometric and dynamic contractions.While less fatiguing than isometric or concentric contractions,eccentric contractions induce greater and longer lasting impairments in force production.However,it is not clear how muscle weakness influences fatigability in males and females during sustained isometric contractions.Methods:We investigated the effects of eccentric exercise-induced muscle weakness on time to task failure(TTF)during a sustained submaximal isometric contraction in young(18-30 years)healthy males(n=9)and females(n=10).Participants performed a sustained isometric contraction of the dorsiflexors at 35°plantar flexion by matching a 30%maximal voluntary contraction(MVC)torque target until task failure(i.e.,falling below 5%of their target torque for>2 s).The same sustained isometric contraction was repeated 30 min after 150 maximal eccentric contractions.Agonist and antagonist activation were assessed using surface electromyography over the tibialis anterior and soleus muscles,respectively.Results:Males were~41%stronger than females.Following eccentric exercise both males and females experienced an~20%decline in maximal voliuntary contraction torque.TTF was-34%longer in females than males prior to eccentic exercise-induced muscle weakness.However,following eccentric exercise-induced muscle weakness,this sex-related difference was abolished,with both groups having an"45%shorter TTF.Notably,there was~100%greater antagonist activation in the female group during the sustained isometric contraction following exercise-induced weakness as compared to the males.Conclusion:This increase in antagonist activation disadvantaged females by decreasing their TTF,resulting in a blunting of their typical fatigability advantage over males.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.132072962)the Agricultural Industrial Technology System in Shandong Province(No.SDAIT-26)+3 种基金the‘First Class Fishery Discipline’Programme[(2020)3]in Shandong Provincethe Special Talent Programme‘Yishi Yiyi’in Shandong Province,Chinathe National Key R&D Program of China(No.2018YFD0901500)the Shandong Province Agriculture Seed Project(No.2021LZ GC004)。
文摘Long non-coding RNAs(lncRNAs)regulate a variety of biological processes,including sexual reproduction and differentiation.Saccharina japonica,a commercially important brown alga in China,shows remarkable sexual dimorphism in haploid gametophytes.The sex of Saccharina japonica gametophytes is determined by UV sexual system.However,no results have been reported on the lncRNAs involved in the sex-related gene regulation of S.japonica.This study identified a number of lncRNAs and assessed their expression levels in male and female gametophytes.Among them,a total of 405 lncRNAs and 211 mRNAs showed differential expressions.Furthermore,the functions of target genes of differentially expressed lncRNAs(DELs)differed from those of differentially expressed genes(DEGs),suggesting that lncRNA may interact with other functional proteins,in addition to DEGs,to involve sex regulation in S.japonica.There were 32 and 90 potential cis-regulatory and trans-regulatory interactions between DELsDEGs,respectively.Five of these lncRNAs(LNC_002974,LNC_021059,LNC_038466,LNC_051584,and LNC_027400)interacted with putative male sex determination region(SDR)genes,suggesting that they act as regulators in gametophytes'sex regulation potentially.Findings from this study contribute to our understanding of the roles of lncRNAs in sex differentiation and lay the foundation for functional studies of candidate lncRNAs in the future.
基金Supported by the Guizhou Senior Innovative Talent Project,No.QKHPTRC-GCC[2022]041-1.
文摘BACKGROUND Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(TIPS)has been extensively used to treat portal hypertension-associated complications,including cirrhosis.The prediction of post-TIPS prognosis is important for cirrhotic patients,as more aggressive liver transplantation is needed when the post-TIPS prognosis is poor.AIM To construct a nutrition-based model that could predict the disease progression of cirrhotic patients after TIPS implantation in a sex-dependent manner.METHODS This study retrospectively recruited cirrhotic patients undergoing TIPS implantation for analysis.Muscle quality was assessed by measuring the skeletal muscle index(SMI)by computed tomography.Multivariate Cox proportional hazard models were utilized to determine the association between SMI and disease progression in cirrhotic patients after TIPS implantation.RESULTS This study eventually included 186 cirrhotic patients receiving TIPS who were followed up for 30.5±18.8 mo.For male patients,the 30-mo survival rate was significantly lower and the probability of progressive events was higher(3.257-fold)in the low-level SMI group than in the high-level SMI group.According to the multivariate Cox analysis of male patients,SMI<32.8 was an independent risk factor for long-term adverse outcomes after TIPS implantation.A model was constructed,which involved creatinine,plasma ammonia,SMI,and acute-on-chronic liver failure and hepatic encephalopathy occurring within half a year after surgery.This model had an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.852,sensitivity of 0.926,and specificity of 0.652.According to the results of the DeLong test,this model outperformed other models(Child-Turcotte-Pugh,Model for End-Stage Liver Disease,and Freiburg index of post-TIPS survival)(P<0.05).CONCLUSION SMI is strongly associated with poor long-term outcomes in male patients with cirrhosis who underwent TIPS implantation.
基金the Foundation for Food and Agricultural Research[EggTech-0000000028]the Research Foundation-Flanders[SB project 1SC7219N and SB project 1S54823N].
文摘Numerous researchers and institutions have been developing in ovo sexing technologies to improve animal welfare by identifying male embryos in an early embryonic stage and disposing of them before pain perception.This review gives a complete overview of the technological approaches reported in papers and patents by performing a thorough search using Web of Science and Patstat/Espacenet databases for papers and patents,respectively.Based on a total of 49 papers and 115 patent families reported until May 2023 worldwide,11 technology categories were defined:6 non-optical and 5 optical techniques.Every category was described for its characteristics while assessing its potential for application.Next,the dynamics of the publications of in ovo sexing techniques in both paper and patent fields were described through growth curves,and the interest or actual status was visualized using the number of paper citations and the actual legal status of the patents.When comparing the reported technologies in papers to those in patents,scientific gaps were observed,as some of the patented technologies were not reported in the scientific literature,e.g.,ion mobility and mass spectrometry approaches.Generally,more diverse approaches in all categories were found in patents,although they do require more scientific evidence through papers or industrial adoption to prove their robustness.Moreover,although there is a recent trend for non-invasive techniques,invasive methods like analyzing DNA through PCR or hormones through immunosensing are still being reported(and might continue to be)in papers and patents.It was also observed that none of the technologies complies with all the industry requirements,although 5 companies already entered the market.On the one hand,more research and harmony between consumers,industry,and governments is necessary.On the other hand,close monitoring of the market performance of the currently available techniques will offer valuable insights into the potential and expectations of in ovo sexing techniques in the poultry industry.
文摘Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease(MAFLD)refers to the build-up of fat in the liver associated with metabolic dysfunction and has been estimated to affect a quarter of the population worldwide.Although metabolism is highly influenced by the effects of sex hormones,studies of sex differences in the incidence and progression of MAFLD are scarce.Metabolomics represents a powerful approach to studying these differences and identifying potential biomarkers and putative mechanisms.First,metabolomics makes it possible to obtain the molecular phenotype of the individual at a given time.Second,metabolomics may be a helpful tool for classifying patients according to the severity of the disease and obtaining diagnostic biomarkers.Some studies demonstrate associations between circulating metabolites and early and established MAFLD,but little is known about how metabolites relate to and encompass sex differences in disease progression and risk management.In this review,we will discuss the epidemiological metabolomic studies for sex differences in the development and progression of MAFLD,the role of metabolic profiles in understanding mechanisms and identifying sex-dependent biomarkers,and how this evidence may help in the future management of the disease.
