Livestock production impacts food security of developing countries, especially where efficiency of production is compromised by environmental stressors. In South Africa, breeding with indigenous Afrikaner cattle that ...Livestock production impacts food security of developing countries, especially where efficiency of production is compromised by environmental stressors. In South Africa, breeding with indigenous Afrikaner cattle that are genetically well adapted to subtropical environments is considered an essential strategy for sustainable beef production. Today, there is a potential for farmers to participate in commercial systems that join adapted Afrikaner germplasm, used in a specialized maternal role, with exotic terminal sires to optimize production. The objective of this study was to assess productivity of five simulated production systems: 1) straightbred Afrikaner mated naturally, 2) a straight-bred Afrikaner cow herd with two sections;one section to produce replacement females and the other to cross with Charolais terminal sires, both using natural mating, 3) similar to 2, but applying sexed semen to produce replacement females, 4) similar to 2, but using a multi-breed composite dam line with a breed combination of 50% Afrikaner, 25% Hereford and 25% Simmental, and 5) similar to 4, but again applying sexed semen to produce replacement females. Parameter estimates needed to compare these systems were extracted from the scientific literature. Relative to straightbred Afrikaner dams, the simulated composite dams were more fit producing 7.8% more calves and their progeny performance was improved by reducing feed intake (-24.4%) and increasing meat production (+11.7%). The potential benefit of allocating more cows to the terminal sire was insufficient to offset the reduction in pregnancy rate that results with the use of sexed semen. Thus, system 4 had the greatest productivity (+23.1%) while requiring 22.8% less feed for finishing the progeny to be harvested relative to the purebred Afrikaner system. The combination of increased productivity and reduced feed requirement made use of a Charolais terminal sire in conjunction with multi-breed composite females bred by natural service the most efficient system among those studied.展开更多
[Objectives]This study was conducted to develop a molecular marker immunomagnetic bead sorting technology method that can specifically identify dead spermatozoa.[Methods]This study first confirmed the specific binding...[Objectives]This study was conducted to develop a molecular marker immunomagnetic bead sorting technology method that can specifically identify dead spermatozoa.[Methods]This study first confirmed the specific binding of Annexin V to dead bovine spermatozoa,and tried to remove dead spermatozoa in semen combining with the immunomagnetic bead technology,so as to improve the separation efficiency of target spermatozoa in the process of sex-controlled semen preparation on a flow cytometer.[Results]The spermatozoon motility,membrane integrity and mitochondrial activity after sorting and the rate of dead spermatozoa during the on-machine X/Y separation were all improved to different degrees(P<0.05),indicating that the technical process design could effectively remove some dead spermatozoa,and there was no significant effect on frozen sexed semen prepared from the separated X or Y spermatozoa(P>0.05),indicating that the technical process did not cause additional damage to the spermatozoa.[Conclusions]Combining the specificity of Annexin V with the immunomagnetic bead method could effectively remove dead spermatozoa from bovine spermatozoa,and significantly reduce the rate of dead spermatozoa in bovine permatozoa during sex-controlled separation(P<0.05).The method developed can effectively improve the production efficiency of frozen sexed semen of dairy cows,reduce the production cost,and promote the industrial application of the product.展开更多
Background:Goat milk is very similar to human milk in terms of its abundant nutrients and ease of digestion.To derive greater economic benefit,farmers require more female offspring(does);however,the buck-to-doe offspr...Background:Goat milk is very similar to human milk in terms of its abundant nutrients and ease of digestion.To derive greater economic benefit,farmers require more female offspring(does);however,the buck-to-doe offspring sex ratio is approximately 50%.At present,artificial insemination after the separation of X/Y sperm using flow cytometry is the primary means of controlling the sex of livestock offspring.However,flow cytometry has not been successfully utilised for the separation of X/Y sperm aimed at sexing control in dairy goats.Results:In this study,a novel,simple goat sperm sexing technology that activates the toll-like receptor 7/8(TLR7/8),thereby inhibiting X-sperm motility,was investigated.Our results showed that the TLR7/8 coding goat Xchromosome was expressed in approximately 50%of round spermatids in the testis and sperm,as measured from cross-sections of the epididymis and ejaculate,respectively.Importantly,TLR7/8 was located at the tail of the Xsperm.Upon TLR7/8 activation,phosphorylated forms of glycogen synthase kinaseα/β(GSK3α/β)and nuclear factor kappa-B(NF-κB)were detected in the X-sperm,causing reduced mitochondrial activity,ATP levels,and sperm motility.High-motility Y-sperm segregated to the upper layer and the low-motility X-sperm,to the lower layer.Following in vitro fertilisation using the TLR7/8-activated sperm from the lower layer,80.52±6.75%of the embryos were XX females.The TLR7/8-activated sperm were subsequently used for in vivo embryo production via the superovulatory response;nine embryos were collected from the uterus of two does that conceived.Eight of these were XX embryos,and one was an XY embryo.Conclusions:Our study reveals a novel TLR7/8 signalling mechanism that affects X-sperm motility via the GSK3α/β-hexokinase pathway;this technique could be used to facilitate the efficient production of sexed dairy goat embryos.展开更多
Variation in the vocal behavior of nonhuman vertebrates includes graded transitions and more dramatic changes.Wapiti males produce a reproductive bugle that has a fundamental frequency that surpasses 2,000 Hz with evi...Variation in the vocal behavior of nonhuman vertebrates includes graded transitions and more dramatic changes.Wapiti males produce a reproductive bugle that has a fundamental frequency that surpasses 2,000 Hz with evidence of biphonation and other nonlinear phenomena.Here,we analyze the acoustic structure of captive wapiti vocalizations to compare the male bugle with 3 categories of distress vocalizations:neonate distress(capture)calls,calf isolation calls,and adult female isolation calls.These 4 high-arousal call categories serve a common general function in recruiting conspecifics but occur in different behavioral contexts(capture,isolation,reproduction).Our goal was to distinguish characteristics that vary in graded steps that may correspond to an animal’s age or size from characteristics that are unique to the bugle.Characteristics of the high and loud fundamental(G0)varied in an age/size-graded manner with a decrease in minimum G0,an increase in the maximum and range of G0,with no evidence of sex differences.The nonlinear phenomena of deterministic chaos,biphonation,and frequency jumps were present in all 4 call categories and became more common from the distress vocalizations of neonates to calves to adult females to the male bugle.Two temporal characteristics sharply distinguished the bugle from the 3 categories of distress vocalizations:these included a prolonged call duration and a maximum G0 that occurred much later in the call for the bugle than for distress vocalizations.Our results suggest that distress vocalizations of different age groups and the reproductive bugle of wapiti share a high G0,with age/size-graded changes in G0 and nonlinear phenomena,but differ sharply in temporal characteristics.展开更多
Glial cells play crucial roles in regulating physiological and pathological functions,including sensation,the response to infection and acute injury,and chronic neurodegenerative disorders.Glial cells include astrocyt...Glial cells play crucial roles in regulating physiological and pathological functions,including sensation,the response to infection and acute injury,and chronic neurodegenerative disorders.Glial cells include astrocytes,microglia,and oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system,and satellite glial cells and Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system.Despite the greater understanding of glial cell types and functional heterogeneity achieved through single-cell and single-nucleus RNA sequencing in animal models,few studies have investigated the transcriptomic profiles of glial cells in the human spinal cord.Here,we used high-throughput single-nucleus RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics to map the cellular and molecular heterogeneity of astrocytes,microglia,and oligodendrocytes in the human spinal cord.To explore the conservation and divergence across species,we compared these findings with those from mice.In the human spinal cord,astrocytes,microglia,and oligodendrocytes were each divided into six distinct transcriptomic subclusters.In the mouse spinal cord,astrocytes,microglia,and oligodendrocytes were divided into five,four,and five distinct transcriptomic subclusters,respectively.The comparative results revealed substantial heterogeneity in all glial cell types between humans and mice.Additionally,we detected sex differences in gene expression in human spinal cord glial cells.Specifically,in all astrocyte subtypes,the levels of NEAT1 and CHI3L1 were higher in males than in females,whereas the levels of CST3 were lower in males than in females.In all microglial subtypes,all differentially expressed genes were located on the sex chromosomes.In addition to sex-specific gene differences,the levels of MT-ND4,MT2A,MT-ATP6,MT-CO3,MT-ND2,MT-ND3,and MT-CO_(2) in all spinal cord oligodendrocyte subtypes were higher in females than in males.Collectively,the present dataset extensively characterizes glial cell heterogeneity and offers a valuable resource for exploring the cellular basis of spinal cordrelated illnesses,including chronic pain,amyotrophic lateral sclerosis,and multiple sclerosis.展开更多
Successful polyethylene glycol fusion(PEG-fusion)of severed axons following peripheral nerve injuries for PEG-fused axons has been reported to:(1)rapidly restore electrophysiological continuity;(2)prevent distal Walle...Successful polyethylene glycol fusion(PEG-fusion)of severed axons following peripheral nerve injuries for PEG-fused axons has been reported to:(1)rapidly restore electrophysiological continuity;(2)prevent distal Wallerian Degeneration and maintain their myelin sheaths;(3)promote primarily motor,voluntary behavioral recoveries as assessed by the Sciatic Functional Index;and,(4)rapidly produce correct and incorrect connections in many possible combinations that produce rapid and extensive recovery of functional peripheral nervous system/central nervous system connections and reflex(e.g.,toe twitch)or voluntary behaviors.The preceding companion paper describes sensory terminal field reo rganization following PEG-fusion repair of sciatic nerve transections or ablations;howeve r,sensory behavioral recovery has not been explicitly explored following PEG-fusion repair.In the current study,we confirmed the success of PEG-fusion surgeries according to criteria(1-3)above and more extensively investigated whether PEG-fusion enhanced mechanical nociceptive recovery following sciatic transection in male and female outbred Sprague-Dawley and inbred Lewis rats.Mechanical nociceptive responses were assessed by measuring withdrawal thresholds using von Frey filaments on the dorsal and midplantar regions of the hindpaws.Dorsal von Frey filament tests were a more reliable method than plantar von Frey filament tests to assess mechanical nociceptive sensitivity following sciatic nerve transections.Baseline withdrawal thresholds of the sciatic-mediated lateral dorsal region differed significantly across strain but not sex.Withdrawal thresholds did not change significantly from baseline in chronic Unoperated and Sham-operated rats.Following sciatic transection,all rats exhibited severe hyposensitivity to stimuli at the lateral dorsal region of the hindpaw ipsilateral to the injury.However,PEG-fused rats exhibited significantly earlier return to baseline withdrawal thresholds than Negative Control rats.Furthermore,PEG-fused rats with significantly improved Sciatic Functional Index scores at or after 4 weeks postoperatively exhibited yet-earlier von Frey filament recove ry compared with those without Sciatic Functional Index recovery,suggesting a correlation between successful PEG-fusion and both motor-dominant and sensory-dominant behavioral recoveries.This correlation was independent of the sex or strain of the rat.Furthermore,our data showed that the acceleration of von Frey filament sensory recovery to baseline was solely due to the PEG-fused sciatic nerve and not saphenous nerve collateral outgrowths.No chronic hypersensitivity developed in any rat up to 12 weeks.All these data suggest that PEG-fusion repair of transection peripheral nerve injuries co uld have important clinical benefits.展开更多
Objective Magnetoencephalography(MEG),a non-invasive neuroimaging technique,meticulously captures the magnetic fields emanating from brain electrical activity.Compared with MEG based on superconducting quantum interfe...Objective Magnetoencephalography(MEG),a non-invasive neuroimaging technique,meticulously captures the magnetic fields emanating from brain electrical activity.Compared with MEG based on superconducting quantum interference devices(SQUID),MEG based on optically pump magnetometer(OPM)has the advantages of higher sensitivity,better spatial resolution and lower cost.However,most of the current studies are clinical studies,and there is a lack of animal studies on MEG based on OPM technology.Pain,a multifaceted sensory and emotional phenomenon,induces intricate alterations in brain activity,exhibiting notable sex differences.Despite clinical revelations of pain-related neuronal activity through MEG,specific properties remain elusive,and comprehensive laboratory studies on pain-associated brain activity alterations are lacking.The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of inflammatory pain(induced by Complete Freund’s Adjuvant(CFA))on brain activity in a rat model using the MEG technique,to analysis changes in brain activity during pain perception,and to explore sex differences in pain-related MEG signaling.Methods This study utilized adult male and female Sprague-Dawley rats.Inflammatory pain was induced via intraplantar injection of CFA(100μl,50%in saline)in the left hind paw,with control groups receiving saline.Pain behavior was assessed using von Frey filaments at baseline and 1 h post-injection.For MEG recording,anesthetized rats had an OPM positioned on their head within a magnetic shield,undergoing two 15-minute sessions:a 5-minute baseline followed by a 10-minute mechanical stimulation phase.Data analysis included artifact removal and time-frequency analysis of spontaneous brain activity using accumulated spectrograms,generating spectrograms focused on the 4-30 Hz frequency range.Results MEG recordings in anesthetized rats during resting states and hind paw mechanical stimulation were compared,before and after saline/CFA injections.Mechanical stimulation elevated alpha activity in both male and female rats pre-and post-saline/CFA injections.Saline/CFA injections augmented average power in both sexes compared to pre-injection states.Remarkably,female rats exhibited higher average spectral power 1 h after CFA injection than after saline injection during resting states.Furthermore,despite comparable pain thresholds measured by classical pain behavioral tests post-CFA treatment,female rats displayed higher average power than males in the resting state after CFA injection.Conclusion These results imply an enhanced perception of inflammatory pain in female rats compared to their male counterparts.Our study exhibits sex differences in alpha activities following CFA injection,highlighting heightened brain alpha activity in female rats during acute inflammatory pain in the resting state.Our study provides a method for OPM-based MEG recordings to be used to study brain activity in anaesthetized animals.In addition,the findings of this study contribute to a deeper understanding of pain-related neural activity and pain sex differences.展开更多
This study was conducted retrospectively on a cohort of 68 patients with steroid 5α-reductase 2(SRD5A2)deficiency and 46,XY disorders of sex development(DSD).Whole-exon sequencing revealed 28 variants of SRD5A2,and f...This study was conducted retrospectively on a cohort of 68 patients with steroid 5α-reductase 2(SRD5A2)deficiency and 46,XY disorders of sex development(DSD).Whole-exon sequencing revealed 28 variants of SRD5A2,and further analysis identified seven novel mutants.The preponderance of variants was observed in exon 1 and exon 4,specifically within the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate(NADPH)-binding region.Among the entire cohort,53 patients underwent initial surgery at Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital(Chengdu,China).The external genitalia scores(EGS)of these participants varied from 2.0 to 11.0,with a mean of 6.8(standard deviation[s.d.]:2.5).Thirty patients consented to hormone testing.Their average testosterone-todihydrotestosterone(T/DHT)ratio was 49.3(s.d.:23.4).Genetic testing identified four patients with EGS scores between 6 and 9 as having this syndrome;and their T/DHT ratios were below the diagnostic threshold.Furthermore,assessments conducted using the crystal structure of human SRD5A2 have provided insights into the potential pathogenic mechanisms of these novel variants.These mechanisms include interference with NADPH binding(c.356G>C,c.365A>G,c.492C>G,and c.662T>G)and destabilization of the protein structure(c.727C>T).The c.446-1G>T and c.380delG variants were verified to result in large alterations in the transcripts.Seven novel variations were identified,and the variant database for the SRD5A2 gene was expanded.These findings contribute to the progress of diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for individuals with SRD5A2 deficiency.展开更多
The study of temperament and behavioral syndromes in insects is still in its early stage,and research conducted to date has mainly focused on locomotor activity and thanatosis.Dung beetles have been the subject of ext...The study of temperament and behavioral syndromes in insects is still in its early stage,and research conducted to date has mainly focused on locomotor activity and thanatosis.Dung beetles have been the subject of extensive behavioral studies;however,very few studies have addressed the expression of temperament.Those doing so only looked at subsocial and sexual horn dimorphic species,suggesting subsociality and/or sexual horn-dimorphism as possible facilitators of temperament expression.To test this assumption,we conducted a temperament study in a hornless,non-subsocial species,namely Geotrupes mutator(Marsham,1802).We set up laboratory tests to evaluate 3 behaviors(activity,thanatosis,and distress calls)through the measurement of 7 distinct behavioral traits(3 activity-,1 thanatosis-,and 3 call-related traits).We found high levels of individual repeatability in all activity-and thanatosis-related traits.We also identified behavioral differences between individuals,which may reflect differences in temperament.Statistical analyses revealed a negative correlation between activity and thanatosis.These results show that the temperament and behavioral syndromes related to activity and thanatosis may also be expressed in dung beetle species that are neither subsocial nor sexual horn dimorphic.By contrast,we only found one of 3 sound-related traits tested(frequency)to be clearly repeatable.Males and females presented a different structure of the stridulatory apparatus,suggesting that morphology may affect the frequency of sounds emitted.These results indicate that certain sound traits might not be good descriptors of individual temperament revealing the need for future research addressing the role of bioacoustics.展开更多
BACKGROUND Sex education was introduced early in foreign countries.For example,there is a more systematic sex education system abroad,which can better achieve the popularization of sex education.China's sex educat...BACKGROUND Sex education was introduced early in foreign countries.For example,there is a more systematic sex education system abroad,which can better achieve the popularization of sex education.China's sex education started relatively late,yet there are many problems in the development of sex education in China;for example,college students lack knowledge of sexuality.AIM To explore the perception of sex education among medical college students.METHODS Students majoring in medicine in a medical school were selected as the survey subjects.Anonymous online questionnaires were used to conduct the survey,and the results were analyzed using GraphPad Prism,SPSS,Microsoft Excel,and other software.The questionnaire was administered to understand the source of sexual knowledge,sexual responsibility,mastery of sexual knowledge,and distress caused by sexual problems.RESULTS Most students majoring in medicine had no formal sex education,lacked sexual knowledge,or had a biased understanding of sexual responsibility.This study analyzed future research trends in sex education based on relevant achievements in the Chinese context and abroad to further realize the practical significance and value of sex education popularization in China and provide recommendations for parents and schools at different levels.CONCLUSION Sex education should be conducted among college students,and medical colleges and universities should strengthen scientific sex education.展开更多
Successful non-native species can exhibit rapid divergence of key phenotypic traits to facilitate population persistence and further range expansion.Such phenotypic shifts can be sex-dependent as males and females usu...Successful non-native species can exhibit rapid divergence of key phenotypic traits to facilitate population persistence and further range expansion.Such phenotypic shifts can be sex-dependent as males and females usually have distinct reproductive and dispersal modes responding to relevant selective forces.Here,we showed significant phenotypic divergence in a set of fitness-related traits among males but not among females in the introduced oriental fire-bellied toads(Bombina orientalis),which established a non-native population in Beijing after being introduced in 1927.Specifically,compared with the native counterparts,introduced males displayed younger age and reduced body size,but increased hindlimb length and eye size after controlling the age effect.As the toads have male-biased sex ratio and male-biased dispersal during breeding season,the observed shifts may suggest that the male-biased selective forces have induced increased energy allocation to dispersal and foraging,and thus decreased allocation to maintain longevity in males.Overall,our study provides evidence for the modification of fitness-related phenotypic traits in a non-native anuran population compared with native populations and extends our understanding of key trait divergence in established non-native amphibian under sexual-unbalanced selective forces.展开更多
Many prey species rely on publicly available personal and social information regarding local predation threats to assess risks and make contextappropriate behavioral decisions.However,in sexually dimorphic species,mal...Many prey species rely on publicly available personal and social information regarding local predation threats to assess risks and make contextappropriate behavioral decisions.However,in sexually dimorphic species,males and females are expected to differ in the perceived costs and/orbenefts associated with predator avoidance decisions.Recent studies suggest that male Trinidadian guppies(Poecilia reticulata)show reducedor absent responses to acute personal information cues,placing them at greater risk of predation relative to females.Our goal here was totest the hypothesis that adult(reproductively active)male guppies rely on social information to limit potential costs associated with their lack ofresponse to risky personal cues.Adult male guppies were exposed to personal chemosensory cues(either conspecifc alarm cues(AC),a novelodor,or a water control)in the presence of a shoal of three females inside a holding container that allowed the transmission of visual but notchemical cues.At the same time,we exposed females to either risk from AC or no risk,resulting in the display of a range of female behavior,from calm to alarmed,available as social information for males.Alarmed females caused male fright activity to increase and male interest infemales to decrease,regardless of the personal cue treatment.These results indicate that male guppies rely more on female information regarding predation risk than their own personal information,probably to balance trade-offs between reproduction and predator avoidance.展开更多
Objectives:Previous studies have shown conflicting results concerning the optimal duration of ureteral stenting after endourologic treatment of stone disease,its effect on patient comfort,and the necessity for emergen...Objectives:Previous studies have shown conflicting results concerning the optimal duration of ureteral stenting after endourologic treatment of stone disease,its effect on patient comfort,and the necessity for emergent,unscheduled care.This study assessed the impact of stent duration,sex,and other patient-associated factors on reported pain scores using a large,international prospective registry.Methods:A prospective observational patient registry on ureteral stents from 10 institutions in 4 countries(United States,Canada,France,and Japan)from 2020–2023 was assessed.The primary outcome was Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System(PROMIS)pain intensity scores administered on the day of stent removal,before stent removal.Patients were grouped by indwelling time(short,medium,and long),and pain scores were compared.The impact of sex,height vs.stent length,and presence or absence of tether were assessed.Results:359 patients were enrolled in the database,with outcomes analyzed for 268 patients with a unilateral stent placed after an endourologic procedure for stones.No significant difference was detected in pain scores between the indwelling time groups(p=0.41).Height for a given stent length was not significantly associated with pain scores.There was no difference in pain scores with or without tether.Men reported lower pain scores than women(p=0.018).Conclusions:This study did not detect an overall difference in pain scores reported at stent removal within or between stent duration groups.Men reported less pain than women in this study,suggesting that patient factors may be more important than indwelling time when optimizing pain management.展开更多
Objective:To explore the efficacy of the Mirena intrauterine device(IUD)in the treatment of patients with adenomyosis.Methods:Forty patients with adenomyosis treated in our hospital from January 2021 to December 2024 ...Objective:To explore the efficacy of the Mirena intrauterine device(IUD)in the treatment of patients with adenomyosis.Methods:Forty patients with adenomyosis treated in our hospital from January 2021 to December 2024 were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group,with 20 cases in each group.The observation group received Mirena IUD treatment,while the control group received drug treatment.The treatment indicators were compared between the two groups.Results:The total effective rate in the observation group was higher than that in the control group(P<0.05).After treatment,the levels of sex hormone indicators in the observation group were better than those in the control group(P<0.05).Compared with the control group,the observation group had significant improvements in menstrual pain score,menstrual volume score,uterine volume,and endometrial thickness(P<0.05).The incidence of adverse reactions in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:The treatment of adenomyosis patients with Mirena IUD is significantly effective,which can effectively improve menstrual volume and reduce the degree of menstrual pain.With fewer adverse reactions,the treatment is safer and feasible for promotion.展开更多
BACKGROUND There is increasing incidence of alcohol-associated liver disease in females.Despite this recent increased incidence,there is a paucity of research on the clinical course and outcomes of alcohol-associated ...BACKGROUND There is increasing incidence of alcohol-associated liver disease in females.Despite this recent increased incidence,there is a paucity of research on the clinical course and outcomes of alcohol-associated hepatitis(AH)in females compared to males.AIM To assess if there may be sex differences in severity,outcomes,and healthcare utilization for patients hospitalized for AH.METHODS This study used ICD-9-CM and ICD-10-CM codes to retrospectively identify inpatient encounters for AH at the University of Kentucky from 2012-2021 and obtained data on patient demographics and clinical outcomes.Encounters were cohorted by patient sex and differences in patient demographics and clinical outcomes were assessed.Multivariate logistic regression models were constructed to assess risk of mortality,sepsis,and mechanical ventilation during the encounter.RESULTS Of 1386 subjects,511(36.9%)were female and 875(63.1%)were male.Both sexes had similar baseline characteristics of race/ethnicity,discriminant function score,model of end-stage liver disease score,and length of hospital stay.However,the incidence of urinary tract infection,sepsis,and norepinephrine administration was significantly higher for females.Males had a significantly higher incidence of esophageal variceal bleed.On multivariate logistic regression analysis,females had higher odds of encounter sepsis(OR 1.41;95%CI:1.064-1.869)and mechanical ventilation(OR 1.352;95%CI:1.006-1.816).Odds of encounter mortality were significantly increased in encounters with sepsis(OR 2.309;95%CI:1.419-3.757)and mechanical ventilation(OR 9.301;95%CI:5.724-15.114).CONCLUSION This study shows sex-based differences in AH outcomes at the University of Kentucky.Future studies are warranted to assess whether tailoring treatments will improve clinical outcomes in females with AH.展开更多
The obesity epidemic continues to challenge global cardiovascular(CV)health,but not all obesity is equal.Emerging evidence underscores that distinct obesity phenotypes—particularly metabolically healthy vs unhealthy ...The obesity epidemic continues to challenge global cardiovascular(CV)health,but not all obesity is equal.Emerging evidence underscores that distinct obesity phenotypes—particularly metabolically healthy vs unhealthy profiles—confer differential CV risks.Recent large-scale studies have revealed that even metabol-ically healthy obesity(MHO)is associated with an increased risk of adverse CV events,particularly in the context of socioeconomic disadvantage.Central is the role of chronic low-grade inflammation,termed“metaflammation”,which can persist even in the absence of overt metabolic syndrome and is shaped by both gender and fat distribution.Epicardial and visceral adiposity contribute to this pro-inflammatory state and are strongly associated with conditions such as heart failure and atrial fibrillation.Notably,aging and hormonal changes,particularly in women,may destabilize MHO status,increasing CV vulnerability over time.This overview calls for a paradigm shift in cardiometabolic care,moving beyond anthropometric parameters toward a more refined assessment that incorporate inflammatory biomarkers,fat distribution and sex-specific factors.Recognizing these underlying biological and phenotypic differences enables more accurate CV risk stratification and supports the development of precision-based therapeutic strategies.Ultimately,understanding not just who is at risk,but why,is essential to improving prevention and outcomes across diverse populations facing the bur-den of obesity.展开更多
BACKGROUND Despite laparoscopic total hysterectomy provided more benefits to patients and has become one of the most commonly used surgical methods for total hysterectomy.However,vaginal cuff dehiscence is a serious c...BACKGROUND Despite laparoscopic total hysterectomy provided more benefits to patients and has become one of the most commonly used surgical methods for total hysterectomy.However,vaginal cuff dehiscence is a serious complication after laparoscopic total hysterectomy and so far,there are limited studies on vaginal cuff dehiscence after a total hysterectomy.AIM To investigate the factors influencing vaginal cuff dehiscence after laparoscopic hysterectomy and the psychological state of the patients.METHODS This study retrospectively,univariately,and multivariately analyzed the clinical data of patients who experienced vaginal cuff dehiscence after laparoscopic hysterectomy in Yuyao People’s Hospital from January 2015 to December 2021.Logistic regression was utilized to analyze the high-risk factors of vaginal cuff dehiscence.RESULTS Among 1459 cases with laparoscopic hysterectomy,9 reported vaginal cuff dehiscence postoperatively,with an incidence of 0.617%.Univariate logistic regression analysis revealed that preoperative hemoglobin value[odds ratio(OR)=5.12,P=0.016],vaginal cuff suture method(OR=0.26,P=0.048),and postoperative first sexual lifetime(OR=15.86,P=0.002)were associated with vaginal cuff dehiscence following laparoscopic hysterectomy.Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that preoperative hemoglobin value of<90 g/L(OR=5.17,P=0.015)and time interval between postoperative first sexual life and operation of<3 months(OR=54.00,P=0.004)are independent risk factors for vaginal cuff dehiscence after laparoscopic hysterectomy.CONCLUSION Postoperative hemoglobin and the time interval between postoperative first sexual life and operation were the independent factors of developing vaginal cuff dehiscence after laparoscopic hysterectomy.展开更多
BACKGROUND The integrity and functionality of the hepatic microcirculation are essential for maintaining liver health,which is influenced by sex and genetic background.Understanding these variations is crucial for add...BACKGROUND The integrity and functionality of the hepatic microcirculation are essential for maintaining liver health,which is influenced by sex and genetic background.Understanding these variations is crucial for addressing disparities in liver disease outcomes.AIM To investigate the sexual dimorphism and genetic heterogeneity of liver microcirculatory function in mice.METHODS We assessed hepatic microhemodynamics in BALB/c,C57BL/6J,and KM mouse strains using laser Doppler flowmetry and wavelet analysis.We analyzed the serum levels of alanine transaminase,glutamic acid aminotransferase,total bile acid,total protein,alkaline phosphatase,and glucose.Histological and immunohistochemical staining were employed to quantify microvascular density and the expression levels of cluster of differentiation(CD)31,and estrogen receptorα,andβ.Statistical analyses,including the Mantel test and Pearson correlation,were conducted to determine the relationships among hepatic function,microcirculation,and marcocirculation between different sexes and across genetic backgrounds.RESULTS We identified sex-based disparities in hepatic microhemodynamics across all strains,with males exhibiting higher microvascular perfusion and erythrocyte concentration,but lower blood velocity.Strain-specific differences were evident,particularly in the endothelial oscillatory characteristics of the erythrocyte concentration.No sexdependent differences in estrogen receptor expression were observed,while significant variations in CD31 expression and microvascular density were observed.The correlations highlighted relationships between hepatic microhemodynamics and liver function indicators.CONCLUSION Our findings indicate the influence of genetic and sex differences on hepatic microcirculation and liver function,highlighting the necessity of incorporating both genetic background and sex into hepatic physiology studies and potential liver disease management strategies.展开更多
Background Mental disorders rank among the leading contributors to the global disease burden, with depressive disorders being among the most prevalent.Aims The objective of this study is to examine the prevalence, inc...Background Mental disorders rank among the leading contributors to the global disease burden, with depressive disorders being among the most prevalent.Aims The objective of this study is to examine the prevalence, incidence and years lived with disability (YLDs) associated with depressive disorders, particularly major depressive disorder and dysthymia, in Iran from 1990 to 2021. To achieve this, the research focused on analysing these metrics across various dimensions, including temporal trends, sex differences, age categories and subnational regions.Methods The data used in this study are sourced directly from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, ensuring that the information is both authoritative and reliable. All-age count estimates and age-standardised rates (per 100 000) were calculated for prevalence, incidence and YLDs. The disease burden indicators were analysed for the period spanning from 1990 to 2021, stratified by sex, age and location. The percentage change between 1990 and 2021 was also documented. The 95% uncertainty interval (UI) was reported for each of the reported estimates.Results The prevalence of depressive disorders in Iran demonstrated a notable upward trend from 1990 to 2021, with the rate of growth being particularly pronounced within the country. The age-standardised prevalence rate per 100 000 individuals for depressive disorders in Iran was 5609 (95% UI 4810 to 6488). By 2021, the number of depression cases in Iran reached 5.2 million, which is approximately 2.37 times the figure reported in 1990. The prevalence of depressive disorders was notably higher among females compared with males. The age-standardised prevalence rate per 100 000 individuals for males was 4184 (95% UI 3545 to 4929). For females, this figure was significantly greater, reaching 7077 (95% UI 6115 to 8172). Out of the total reported cases of depressive disorders in Iran, 3.2 million were observed in females, while males accounted for 2 million cases.Conclusions The findings highlighted the considerable impact of depressive disorders in Iran, both nationally and regionally, while also revealing variations across sex and age groups. Given the shifts in the demographic structure and the growing burden of these disorders, it is essential to prioritise screening initiatives, education programmes and strategies aimed at enhancing mental health awareness and ensuring improved access to mental health services in health policy planning.展开更多
Background:Integrating metabolomics in sports science provides valuable insights into the biochemistry of bodies during physical activity.However,due to their invasiveness,traditional blood sampling methods present ch...Background:Integrating metabolomics in sports science provides valuable insights into the biochemistry of bodies during physical activity.However,due to their invasiveness,traditional blood sampling methods present challenges in sports settings.The study investigated sex-specific metabolic responses,addressing a significant gap in exercise research,where female participation remains underrepresented.Methods:To address this,we explored volumetrically accurate microsampling as a dried blood spot(DBS)technique for assessing metabolomic changes in response to acute exercise in more than 130 participants.This study employed a targeted quantitative approach using isotopically labeled internal standards to measure over 100 metabolites with DBS,providing accurate and traceable results.An accuracy assessment using standard reference material and stability testing over 90 days further evaluated the suitability of DBS for sports metabolomics.Results:Our findings confirm that DBS offers a valid approach to capture metabolic changes during exercise,with 11 compounds within the confidence interval of the reference material and 59 compounds overlapping with database values.A wide panel of metabolites showed significant changes in differences of absolute concentrations upon bout exercise,with succinate and xanthine being the most significant compounds.Metabolites from the underexplored class of pyrimidines also showed significant changes.Conclusion:While metabolic regulations upon exercise are similar in both sexes,differences in the correlation with fitness-related metadata,such as peak volitional oxygen consumption and performance,indicate a higher complexity in women and a limitation of previous knowledge to men only.The quantification approach together with the simplicity of the sampling paves the way to expand this type of research toward other fields of personalized medical services.展开更多
文摘Livestock production impacts food security of developing countries, especially where efficiency of production is compromised by environmental stressors. In South Africa, breeding with indigenous Afrikaner cattle that are genetically well adapted to subtropical environments is considered an essential strategy for sustainable beef production. Today, there is a potential for farmers to participate in commercial systems that join adapted Afrikaner germplasm, used in a specialized maternal role, with exotic terminal sires to optimize production. The objective of this study was to assess productivity of five simulated production systems: 1) straightbred Afrikaner mated naturally, 2) a straight-bred Afrikaner cow herd with two sections;one section to produce replacement females and the other to cross with Charolais terminal sires, both using natural mating, 3) similar to 2, but applying sexed semen to produce replacement females, 4) similar to 2, but using a multi-breed composite dam line with a breed combination of 50% Afrikaner, 25% Hereford and 25% Simmental, and 5) similar to 4, but again applying sexed semen to produce replacement females. Parameter estimates needed to compare these systems were extracted from the scientific literature. Relative to straightbred Afrikaner dams, the simulated composite dams were more fit producing 7.8% more calves and their progeny performance was improved by reducing feed intake (-24.4%) and increasing meat production (+11.7%). The potential benefit of allocating more cows to the terminal sire was insufficient to offset the reduction in pregnancy rate that results with the use of sexed semen. Thus, system 4 had the greatest productivity (+23.1%) while requiring 22.8% less feed for finishing the progeny to be harvested relative to the purebred Afrikaner system. The combination of increased productivity and reduced feed requirement made use of a Charolais terminal sire in conjunction with multi-breed composite females bred by natural service the most efficient system among those studied.
基金Supported by Targeted Poverty Alleviation Special Project of Hetao College(HYZX201955)Introduced Talent Scientific Research Start-up Fund of Hetao College(HYRC2019002)。
文摘[Objectives]This study was conducted to develop a molecular marker immunomagnetic bead sorting technology method that can specifically identify dead spermatozoa.[Methods]This study first confirmed the specific binding of Annexin V to dead bovine spermatozoa,and tried to remove dead spermatozoa in semen combining with the immunomagnetic bead technology,so as to improve the separation efficiency of target spermatozoa in the process of sex-controlled semen preparation on a flow cytometer.[Results]The spermatozoon motility,membrane integrity and mitochondrial activity after sorting and the rate of dead spermatozoa during the on-machine X/Y separation were all improved to different degrees(P<0.05),indicating that the technical process design could effectively remove some dead spermatozoa,and there was no significant effect on frozen sexed semen prepared from the separated X or Y spermatozoa(P>0.05),indicating that the technical process did not cause additional damage to the spermatozoa.[Conclusions]Combining the specificity of Annexin V with the immunomagnetic bead method could effectively remove dead spermatozoa from bovine spermatozoa,and significantly reduce the rate of dead spermatozoa in bovine permatozoa during sex-controlled separation(P<0.05).The method developed can effectively improve the production efficiency of frozen sexed semen of dairy cows,reduce the production cost,and promote the industrial application of the product.
基金This research was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31672425)Shaanxi Province Key R&D Program(2018ZDXM-NY-043,2020ZDLNY02–04).
文摘Background:Goat milk is very similar to human milk in terms of its abundant nutrients and ease of digestion.To derive greater economic benefit,farmers require more female offspring(does);however,the buck-to-doe offspring sex ratio is approximately 50%.At present,artificial insemination after the separation of X/Y sperm using flow cytometry is the primary means of controlling the sex of livestock offspring.However,flow cytometry has not been successfully utilised for the separation of X/Y sperm aimed at sexing control in dairy goats.Results:In this study,a novel,simple goat sperm sexing technology that activates the toll-like receptor 7/8(TLR7/8),thereby inhibiting X-sperm motility,was investigated.Our results showed that the TLR7/8 coding goat Xchromosome was expressed in approximately 50%of round spermatids in the testis and sperm,as measured from cross-sections of the epididymis and ejaculate,respectively.Importantly,TLR7/8 was located at the tail of the Xsperm.Upon TLR7/8 activation,phosphorylated forms of glycogen synthase kinaseα/β(GSK3α/β)and nuclear factor kappa-B(NF-κB)were detected in the X-sperm,causing reduced mitochondrial activity,ATP levels,and sperm motility.High-motility Y-sperm segregated to the upper layer and the low-motility X-sperm,to the lower layer.Following in vitro fertilisation using the TLR7/8-activated sperm from the lower layer,80.52±6.75%of the embryos were XX females.The TLR7/8-activated sperm were subsequently used for in vivo embryo production via the superovulatory response;nine embryos were collected from the uterus of two does that conceived.Eight of these were XX embryos,and one was an XY embryo.Conclusions:Our study reveals a novel TLR7/8 signalling mechanism that affects X-sperm motility via the GSK3α/β-hexokinase pathway;this technique could be used to facilitate the efficient production of sexed dairy goat embryos.
基金The University of Winnipeg and The University of Winnipeg Foundation contributed funding to this research.
文摘Variation in the vocal behavior of nonhuman vertebrates includes graded transitions and more dramatic changes.Wapiti males produce a reproductive bugle that has a fundamental frequency that surpasses 2,000 Hz with evidence of biphonation and other nonlinear phenomena.Here,we analyze the acoustic structure of captive wapiti vocalizations to compare the male bugle with 3 categories of distress vocalizations:neonate distress(capture)calls,calf isolation calls,and adult female isolation calls.These 4 high-arousal call categories serve a common general function in recruiting conspecifics but occur in different behavioral contexts(capture,isolation,reproduction).Our goal was to distinguish characteristics that vary in graded steps that may correspond to an animal’s age or size from characteristics that are unique to the bugle.Characteristics of the high and loud fundamental(G0)varied in an age/size-graded manner with a decrease in minimum G0,an increase in the maximum and range of G0,with no evidence of sex differences.The nonlinear phenomena of deterministic chaos,biphonation,and frequency jumps were present in all 4 call categories and became more common from the distress vocalizations of neonates to calves to adult females to the male bugle.Two temporal characteristics sharply distinguished the bugle from the 3 categories of distress vocalizations:these included a prolonged call duration and a maximum G0 that occurred much later in the call for the bugle than for distress vocalizations.Our results suggest that distress vocalizations of different age groups and the reproductive bugle of wapiti share a high G0,with age/size-graded changes in G0 and nonlinear phenomena,but differ sharply in temporal characteristics.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.82301403(to DZ)。
文摘Glial cells play crucial roles in regulating physiological and pathological functions,including sensation,the response to infection and acute injury,and chronic neurodegenerative disorders.Glial cells include astrocytes,microglia,and oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system,and satellite glial cells and Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system.Despite the greater understanding of glial cell types and functional heterogeneity achieved through single-cell and single-nucleus RNA sequencing in animal models,few studies have investigated the transcriptomic profiles of glial cells in the human spinal cord.Here,we used high-throughput single-nucleus RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics to map the cellular and molecular heterogeneity of astrocytes,microglia,and oligodendrocytes in the human spinal cord.To explore the conservation and divergence across species,we compared these findings with those from mice.In the human spinal cord,astrocytes,microglia,and oligodendrocytes were each divided into six distinct transcriptomic subclusters.In the mouse spinal cord,astrocytes,microglia,and oligodendrocytes were divided into five,four,and five distinct transcriptomic subclusters,respectively.The comparative results revealed substantial heterogeneity in all glial cell types between humans and mice.Additionally,we detected sex differences in gene expression in human spinal cord glial cells.Specifically,in all astrocyte subtypes,the levels of NEAT1 and CHI3L1 were higher in males than in females,whereas the levels of CST3 were lower in males than in females.In all microglial subtypes,all differentially expressed genes were located on the sex chromosomes.In addition to sex-specific gene differences,the levels of MT-ND4,MT2A,MT-ATP6,MT-CO3,MT-ND2,MT-ND3,and MT-CO_(2) in all spinal cord oligodendrocyte subtypes were higher in females than in males.Collectively,the present dataset extensively characterizes glial cell heterogeneity and offers a valuable resource for exploring the cellular basis of spinal cordrelated illnesses,including chronic pain,amyotrophic lateral sclerosis,and multiple sclerosis.
基金supported by DOD AFIRMⅢW81XWH-20-2-0029 subcontract,UT POC19-1774-13Neuraptive Therapeutics Inc.26-7724-56+1 种基金NIH R01-NS128086 grantsLone Star Paralysis gift(to GDB)。
文摘Successful polyethylene glycol fusion(PEG-fusion)of severed axons following peripheral nerve injuries for PEG-fused axons has been reported to:(1)rapidly restore electrophysiological continuity;(2)prevent distal Wallerian Degeneration and maintain their myelin sheaths;(3)promote primarily motor,voluntary behavioral recoveries as assessed by the Sciatic Functional Index;and,(4)rapidly produce correct and incorrect connections in many possible combinations that produce rapid and extensive recovery of functional peripheral nervous system/central nervous system connections and reflex(e.g.,toe twitch)or voluntary behaviors.The preceding companion paper describes sensory terminal field reo rganization following PEG-fusion repair of sciatic nerve transections or ablations;howeve r,sensory behavioral recovery has not been explicitly explored following PEG-fusion repair.In the current study,we confirmed the success of PEG-fusion surgeries according to criteria(1-3)above and more extensively investigated whether PEG-fusion enhanced mechanical nociceptive recovery following sciatic transection in male and female outbred Sprague-Dawley and inbred Lewis rats.Mechanical nociceptive responses were assessed by measuring withdrawal thresholds using von Frey filaments on the dorsal and midplantar regions of the hindpaws.Dorsal von Frey filament tests were a more reliable method than plantar von Frey filament tests to assess mechanical nociceptive sensitivity following sciatic nerve transections.Baseline withdrawal thresholds of the sciatic-mediated lateral dorsal region differed significantly across strain but not sex.Withdrawal thresholds did not change significantly from baseline in chronic Unoperated and Sham-operated rats.Following sciatic transection,all rats exhibited severe hyposensitivity to stimuli at the lateral dorsal region of the hindpaw ipsilateral to the injury.However,PEG-fused rats exhibited significantly earlier return to baseline withdrawal thresholds than Negative Control rats.Furthermore,PEG-fused rats with significantly improved Sciatic Functional Index scores at or after 4 weeks postoperatively exhibited yet-earlier von Frey filament recove ry compared with those without Sciatic Functional Index recovery,suggesting a correlation between successful PEG-fusion and both motor-dominant and sensory-dominant behavioral recoveries.This correlation was independent of the sex or strain of the rat.Furthermore,our data showed that the acceleration of von Frey filament sensory recovery to baseline was solely due to the PEG-fused sciatic nerve and not saphenous nerve collateral outgrowths.No chronic hypersensitivity developed in any rat up to 12 weeks.All these data suggest that PEG-fusion repair of transection peripheral nerve injuries co uld have important clinical benefits.
文摘Objective Magnetoencephalography(MEG),a non-invasive neuroimaging technique,meticulously captures the magnetic fields emanating from brain electrical activity.Compared with MEG based on superconducting quantum interference devices(SQUID),MEG based on optically pump magnetometer(OPM)has the advantages of higher sensitivity,better spatial resolution and lower cost.However,most of the current studies are clinical studies,and there is a lack of animal studies on MEG based on OPM technology.Pain,a multifaceted sensory and emotional phenomenon,induces intricate alterations in brain activity,exhibiting notable sex differences.Despite clinical revelations of pain-related neuronal activity through MEG,specific properties remain elusive,and comprehensive laboratory studies on pain-associated brain activity alterations are lacking.The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of inflammatory pain(induced by Complete Freund’s Adjuvant(CFA))on brain activity in a rat model using the MEG technique,to analysis changes in brain activity during pain perception,and to explore sex differences in pain-related MEG signaling.Methods This study utilized adult male and female Sprague-Dawley rats.Inflammatory pain was induced via intraplantar injection of CFA(100μl,50%in saline)in the left hind paw,with control groups receiving saline.Pain behavior was assessed using von Frey filaments at baseline and 1 h post-injection.For MEG recording,anesthetized rats had an OPM positioned on their head within a magnetic shield,undergoing two 15-minute sessions:a 5-minute baseline followed by a 10-minute mechanical stimulation phase.Data analysis included artifact removal and time-frequency analysis of spontaneous brain activity using accumulated spectrograms,generating spectrograms focused on the 4-30 Hz frequency range.Results MEG recordings in anesthetized rats during resting states and hind paw mechanical stimulation were compared,before and after saline/CFA injections.Mechanical stimulation elevated alpha activity in both male and female rats pre-and post-saline/CFA injections.Saline/CFA injections augmented average power in both sexes compared to pre-injection states.Remarkably,female rats exhibited higher average spectral power 1 h after CFA injection than after saline injection during resting states.Furthermore,despite comparable pain thresholds measured by classical pain behavioral tests post-CFA treatment,female rats displayed higher average power than males in the resting state after CFA injection.Conclusion These results imply an enhanced perception of inflammatory pain in female rats compared to their male counterparts.Our study exhibits sex differences in alpha activities following CFA injection,highlighting heightened brain alpha activity in female rats during acute inflammatory pain in the resting state.Our study provides a method for OPM-based MEG recordings to be used to study brain activity in anaesthetized animals.In addition,the findings of this study contribute to a deeper understanding of pain-related neural activity and pain sex differences.
基金supported by the Sichuan Science and Technology Program(No.2022JDZH0029 to JYY)the Special Fund for Clinical Research and Translational Medicine from Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences(No.2022-I2M-C&T-B-117 to JYY)the Sichuan Key Research and Development Project from the Department of Science and Technology of Sichuan Province(No.2022YFS0237 to YMT).
文摘This study was conducted retrospectively on a cohort of 68 patients with steroid 5α-reductase 2(SRD5A2)deficiency and 46,XY disorders of sex development(DSD).Whole-exon sequencing revealed 28 variants of SRD5A2,and further analysis identified seven novel mutants.The preponderance of variants was observed in exon 1 and exon 4,specifically within the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate(NADPH)-binding region.Among the entire cohort,53 patients underwent initial surgery at Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital(Chengdu,China).The external genitalia scores(EGS)of these participants varied from 2.0 to 11.0,with a mean of 6.8(standard deviation[s.d.]:2.5).Thirty patients consented to hormone testing.Their average testosterone-todihydrotestosterone(T/DHT)ratio was 49.3(s.d.:23.4).Genetic testing identified four patients with EGS scores between 6 and 9 as having this syndrome;and their T/DHT ratios were below the diagnostic threshold.Furthermore,assessments conducted using the crystal structure of human SRD5A2 have provided insights into the potential pathogenic mechanisms of these novel variants.These mechanisms include interference with NADPH binding(c.356G>C,c.365A>G,c.492C>G,and c.662T>G)and destabilization of the protein structure(c.727C>T).The c.446-1G>T and c.380delG variants were verified to result in large alterations in the transcripts.Seven novel variations were identified,and the variant database for the SRD5A2 gene was expanded.These findings contribute to the progress of diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for individuals with SRD5A2 deficiency.
基金supported by the project CN_00000033 funded under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan(NRRP)Mission 4 Component 2 Investment 1.4-Call for tender No.3138 of 16 December 2021,rectified by Decree n.3175 of 18 December 2021 of the Italian Ministry of University and Research funded by the European UnionNextGenerationEU.
文摘The study of temperament and behavioral syndromes in insects is still in its early stage,and research conducted to date has mainly focused on locomotor activity and thanatosis.Dung beetles have been the subject of extensive behavioral studies;however,very few studies have addressed the expression of temperament.Those doing so only looked at subsocial and sexual horn dimorphic species,suggesting subsociality and/or sexual horn-dimorphism as possible facilitators of temperament expression.To test this assumption,we conducted a temperament study in a hornless,non-subsocial species,namely Geotrupes mutator(Marsham,1802).We set up laboratory tests to evaluate 3 behaviors(activity,thanatosis,and distress calls)through the measurement of 7 distinct behavioral traits(3 activity-,1 thanatosis-,and 3 call-related traits).We found high levels of individual repeatability in all activity-and thanatosis-related traits.We also identified behavioral differences between individuals,which may reflect differences in temperament.Statistical analyses revealed a negative correlation between activity and thanatosis.These results show that the temperament and behavioral syndromes related to activity and thanatosis may also be expressed in dung beetle species that are neither subsocial nor sexual horn dimorphic.By contrast,we only found one of 3 sound-related traits tested(frequency)to be clearly repeatable.Males and females presented a different structure of the stridulatory apparatus,suggesting that morphology may affect the frequency of sounds emitted.These results indicate that certain sound traits might not be good descriptors of individual temperament revealing the need for future research addressing the role of bioacoustics.
基金Supported by Scientific Research Project of College Students in Liaoning Province,No.S202410164004.
文摘BACKGROUND Sex education was introduced early in foreign countries.For example,there is a more systematic sex education system abroad,which can better achieve the popularization of sex education.China's sex education started relatively late,yet there are many problems in the development of sex education in China;for example,college students lack knowledge of sexuality.AIM To explore the perception of sex education among medical college students.METHODS Students majoring in medicine in a medical school were selected as the survey subjects.Anonymous online questionnaires were used to conduct the survey,and the results were analyzed using GraphPad Prism,SPSS,Microsoft Excel,and other software.The questionnaire was administered to understand the source of sexual knowledge,sexual responsibility,mastery of sexual knowledge,and distress caused by sexual problems.RESULTS Most students majoring in medicine had no formal sex education,lacked sexual knowledge,or had a biased understanding of sexual responsibility.This study analyzed future research trends in sex education based on relevant achievements in the Chinese context and abroad to further realize the practical significance and value of sex education popularization in China and provide recommendations for parents and schools at different levels.CONCLUSION Sex education should be conducted among college students,and medical colleges and universities should strengthen scientific sex education.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (32171657,32301459)the grant from Institute of Zoology,Chinese Academy of Sciences (2023IOZ0104)the grant from Youth Innovation Promotion Association of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Y201920)。
文摘Successful non-native species can exhibit rapid divergence of key phenotypic traits to facilitate population persistence and further range expansion.Such phenotypic shifts can be sex-dependent as males and females usually have distinct reproductive and dispersal modes responding to relevant selective forces.Here,we showed significant phenotypic divergence in a set of fitness-related traits among males but not among females in the introduced oriental fire-bellied toads(Bombina orientalis),which established a non-native population in Beijing after being introduced in 1927.Specifically,compared with the native counterparts,introduced males displayed younger age and reduced body size,but increased hindlimb length and eye size after controlling the age effect.As the toads have male-biased sex ratio and male-biased dispersal during breeding season,the observed shifts may suggest that the male-biased selective forces have induced increased energy allocation to dispersal and foraging,and thus decreased allocation to maintain longevity in males.Overall,our study provides evidence for the modification of fitness-related phenotypic traits in a non-native anuran population compared with native populations and extends our understanding of key trait divergence in established non-native amphibian under sexual-unbalanced selective forces.
基金supported by Concordia University and funded by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada(Discovery Grant to G.E.B.,and an E.W.R.SteacieMemorial Fellowship to M.C.O.F.).
文摘Many prey species rely on publicly available personal and social information regarding local predation threats to assess risks and make contextappropriate behavioral decisions.However,in sexually dimorphic species,males and females are expected to differ in the perceived costs and/orbenefts associated with predator avoidance decisions.Recent studies suggest that male Trinidadian guppies(Poecilia reticulata)show reducedor absent responses to acute personal information cues,placing them at greater risk of predation relative to females.Our goal here was totest the hypothesis that adult(reproductively active)male guppies rely on social information to limit potential costs associated with their lack ofresponse to risky personal cues.Adult male guppies were exposed to personal chemosensory cues(either conspecifc alarm cues(AC),a novelodor,or a water control)in the presence of a shoal of three females inside a holding container that allowed the transmission of visual but notchemical cues.At the same time,we exposed females to either risk from AC or no risk,resulting in the display of a range of female behavior,from calm to alarmed,available as social information for males.Alarmed females caused male fright activity to increase and male interest infemales to decrease,regardless of the personal cue treatment.These results indicate that male guppies rely more on female information regarding predation risk than their own personal information,probably to balance trade-offs between reproduction and predator avoidance.
文摘Objectives:Previous studies have shown conflicting results concerning the optimal duration of ureteral stenting after endourologic treatment of stone disease,its effect on patient comfort,and the necessity for emergent,unscheduled care.This study assessed the impact of stent duration,sex,and other patient-associated factors on reported pain scores using a large,international prospective registry.Methods:A prospective observational patient registry on ureteral stents from 10 institutions in 4 countries(United States,Canada,France,and Japan)from 2020–2023 was assessed.The primary outcome was Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System(PROMIS)pain intensity scores administered on the day of stent removal,before stent removal.Patients were grouped by indwelling time(short,medium,and long),and pain scores were compared.The impact of sex,height vs.stent length,and presence or absence of tether were assessed.Results:359 patients were enrolled in the database,with outcomes analyzed for 268 patients with a unilateral stent placed after an endourologic procedure for stones.No significant difference was detected in pain scores between the indwelling time groups(p=0.41).Height for a given stent length was not significantly associated with pain scores.There was no difference in pain scores with or without tether.Men reported lower pain scores than women(p=0.018).Conclusions:This study did not detect an overall difference in pain scores reported at stent removal within or between stent duration groups.Men reported less pain than women in this study,suggesting that patient factors may be more important than indwelling time when optimizing pain management.
文摘Objective:To explore the efficacy of the Mirena intrauterine device(IUD)in the treatment of patients with adenomyosis.Methods:Forty patients with adenomyosis treated in our hospital from January 2021 to December 2024 were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group,with 20 cases in each group.The observation group received Mirena IUD treatment,while the control group received drug treatment.The treatment indicators were compared between the two groups.Results:The total effective rate in the observation group was higher than that in the control group(P<0.05).After treatment,the levels of sex hormone indicators in the observation group were better than those in the control group(P<0.05).Compared with the control group,the observation group had significant improvements in menstrual pain score,menstrual volume score,uterine volume,and endometrial thickness(P<0.05).The incidence of adverse reactions in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:The treatment of adenomyosis patients with Mirena IUD is significantly effective,which can effectively improve menstrual volume and reduce the degree of menstrual pain.With fewer adverse reactions,the treatment is safer and feasible for promotion.
文摘BACKGROUND There is increasing incidence of alcohol-associated liver disease in females.Despite this recent increased incidence,there is a paucity of research on the clinical course and outcomes of alcohol-associated hepatitis(AH)in females compared to males.AIM To assess if there may be sex differences in severity,outcomes,and healthcare utilization for patients hospitalized for AH.METHODS This study used ICD-9-CM and ICD-10-CM codes to retrospectively identify inpatient encounters for AH at the University of Kentucky from 2012-2021 and obtained data on patient demographics and clinical outcomes.Encounters were cohorted by patient sex and differences in patient demographics and clinical outcomes were assessed.Multivariate logistic regression models were constructed to assess risk of mortality,sepsis,and mechanical ventilation during the encounter.RESULTS Of 1386 subjects,511(36.9%)were female and 875(63.1%)were male.Both sexes had similar baseline characteristics of race/ethnicity,discriminant function score,model of end-stage liver disease score,and length of hospital stay.However,the incidence of urinary tract infection,sepsis,and norepinephrine administration was significantly higher for females.Males had a significantly higher incidence of esophageal variceal bleed.On multivariate logistic regression analysis,females had higher odds of encounter sepsis(OR 1.41;95%CI:1.064-1.869)and mechanical ventilation(OR 1.352;95%CI:1.006-1.816).Odds of encounter mortality were significantly increased in encounters with sepsis(OR 2.309;95%CI:1.419-3.757)and mechanical ventilation(OR 9.301;95%CI:5.724-15.114).CONCLUSION This study shows sex-based differences in AH outcomes at the University of Kentucky.Future studies are warranted to assess whether tailoring treatments will improve clinical outcomes in females with AH.
文摘The obesity epidemic continues to challenge global cardiovascular(CV)health,but not all obesity is equal.Emerging evidence underscores that distinct obesity phenotypes—particularly metabolically healthy vs unhealthy profiles—confer differential CV risks.Recent large-scale studies have revealed that even metabol-ically healthy obesity(MHO)is associated with an increased risk of adverse CV events,particularly in the context of socioeconomic disadvantage.Central is the role of chronic low-grade inflammation,termed“metaflammation”,which can persist even in the absence of overt metabolic syndrome and is shaped by both gender and fat distribution.Epicardial and visceral adiposity contribute to this pro-inflammatory state and are strongly associated with conditions such as heart failure and atrial fibrillation.Notably,aging and hormonal changes,particularly in women,may destabilize MHO status,increasing CV vulnerability over time.This overview calls for a paradigm shift in cardiometabolic care,moving beyond anthropometric parameters toward a more refined assessment that incorporate inflammatory biomarkers,fat distribution and sex-specific factors.Recognizing these underlying biological and phenotypic differences enables more accurate CV risk stratification and supports the development of precision-based therapeutic strategies.Ultimately,understanding not just who is at risk,but why,is essential to improving prevention and outcomes across diverse populations facing the bur-den of obesity.
文摘BACKGROUND Despite laparoscopic total hysterectomy provided more benefits to patients and has become one of the most commonly used surgical methods for total hysterectomy.However,vaginal cuff dehiscence is a serious complication after laparoscopic total hysterectomy and so far,there are limited studies on vaginal cuff dehiscence after a total hysterectomy.AIM To investigate the factors influencing vaginal cuff dehiscence after laparoscopic hysterectomy and the psychological state of the patients.METHODS This study retrospectively,univariately,and multivariately analyzed the clinical data of patients who experienced vaginal cuff dehiscence after laparoscopic hysterectomy in Yuyao People’s Hospital from January 2015 to December 2021.Logistic regression was utilized to analyze the high-risk factors of vaginal cuff dehiscence.RESULTS Among 1459 cases with laparoscopic hysterectomy,9 reported vaginal cuff dehiscence postoperatively,with an incidence of 0.617%.Univariate logistic regression analysis revealed that preoperative hemoglobin value[odds ratio(OR)=5.12,P=0.016],vaginal cuff suture method(OR=0.26,P=0.048),and postoperative first sexual lifetime(OR=15.86,P=0.002)were associated with vaginal cuff dehiscence following laparoscopic hysterectomy.Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that preoperative hemoglobin value of<90 g/L(OR=5.17,P=0.015)and time interval between postoperative first sexual life and operation of<3 months(OR=54.00,P=0.004)are independent risk factors for vaginal cuff dehiscence after laparoscopic hysterectomy.CONCLUSION Postoperative hemoglobin and the time interval between postoperative first sexual life and operation were the independent factors of developing vaginal cuff dehiscence after laparoscopic hysterectomy.
基金Supported by the Beijing Municipal Natural Science Foundation,No.7212068the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81900747.
文摘BACKGROUND The integrity and functionality of the hepatic microcirculation are essential for maintaining liver health,which is influenced by sex and genetic background.Understanding these variations is crucial for addressing disparities in liver disease outcomes.AIM To investigate the sexual dimorphism and genetic heterogeneity of liver microcirculatory function in mice.METHODS We assessed hepatic microhemodynamics in BALB/c,C57BL/6J,and KM mouse strains using laser Doppler flowmetry and wavelet analysis.We analyzed the serum levels of alanine transaminase,glutamic acid aminotransferase,total bile acid,total protein,alkaline phosphatase,and glucose.Histological and immunohistochemical staining were employed to quantify microvascular density and the expression levels of cluster of differentiation(CD)31,and estrogen receptorα,andβ.Statistical analyses,including the Mantel test and Pearson correlation,were conducted to determine the relationships among hepatic function,microcirculation,and marcocirculation between different sexes and across genetic backgrounds.RESULTS We identified sex-based disparities in hepatic microhemodynamics across all strains,with males exhibiting higher microvascular perfusion and erythrocyte concentration,but lower blood velocity.Strain-specific differences were evident,particularly in the endothelial oscillatory characteristics of the erythrocyte concentration.No sexdependent differences in estrogen receptor expression were observed,while significant variations in CD31 expression and microvascular density were observed.The correlations highlighted relationships between hepatic microhemodynamics and liver function indicators.CONCLUSION Our findings indicate the influence of genetic and sex differences on hepatic microcirculation and liver function,highlighting the necessity of incorporating both genetic background and sex into hepatic physiology studies and potential liver disease management strategies.
文摘Background Mental disorders rank among the leading contributors to the global disease burden, with depressive disorders being among the most prevalent.Aims The objective of this study is to examine the prevalence, incidence and years lived with disability (YLDs) associated with depressive disorders, particularly major depressive disorder and dysthymia, in Iran from 1990 to 2021. To achieve this, the research focused on analysing these metrics across various dimensions, including temporal trends, sex differences, age categories and subnational regions.Methods The data used in this study are sourced directly from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, ensuring that the information is both authoritative and reliable. All-age count estimates and age-standardised rates (per 100 000) were calculated for prevalence, incidence and YLDs. The disease burden indicators were analysed for the period spanning from 1990 to 2021, stratified by sex, age and location. The percentage change between 1990 and 2021 was also documented. The 95% uncertainty interval (UI) was reported for each of the reported estimates.Results The prevalence of depressive disorders in Iran demonstrated a notable upward trend from 1990 to 2021, with the rate of growth being particularly pronounced within the country. The age-standardised prevalence rate per 100 000 individuals for depressive disorders in Iran was 5609 (95% UI 4810 to 6488). By 2021, the number of depression cases in Iran reached 5.2 million, which is approximately 2.37 times the figure reported in 1990. The prevalence of depressive disorders was notably higher among females compared with males. The age-standardised prevalence rate per 100 000 individuals for males was 4184 (95% UI 3545 to 4929). For females, this figure was significantly greater, reaching 7077 (95% UI 6115 to 8172). Out of the total reported cases of depressive disorders in Iran, 3.2 million were observed in females, while males accounted for 2 million cases.Conclusions The findings highlighted the considerable impact of depressive disorders in Iran, both nationally and regionally, while also revealing variations across sex and age groups. Given the shifts in the demographic structure and the growing burden of these disorders, it is essential to prioritise screening initiatives, education programmes and strategies aimed at enhancing mental health awareness and ensuring improved access to mental health services in health policy planning.
基金This work is supported by the University of Vienna,the Faculty of Chemistry and Centre for Sport Science and University Sports.The Vienna Business Agency,Austria funded FR.
文摘Background:Integrating metabolomics in sports science provides valuable insights into the biochemistry of bodies during physical activity.However,due to their invasiveness,traditional blood sampling methods present challenges in sports settings.The study investigated sex-specific metabolic responses,addressing a significant gap in exercise research,where female participation remains underrepresented.Methods:To address this,we explored volumetrically accurate microsampling as a dried blood spot(DBS)technique for assessing metabolomic changes in response to acute exercise in more than 130 participants.This study employed a targeted quantitative approach using isotopically labeled internal standards to measure over 100 metabolites with DBS,providing accurate and traceable results.An accuracy assessment using standard reference material and stability testing over 90 days further evaluated the suitability of DBS for sports metabolomics.Results:Our findings confirm that DBS offers a valid approach to capture metabolic changes during exercise,with 11 compounds within the confidence interval of the reference material and 59 compounds overlapping with database values.A wide panel of metabolites showed significant changes in differences of absolute concentrations upon bout exercise,with succinate and xanthine being the most significant compounds.Metabolites from the underexplored class of pyrimidines also showed significant changes.Conclusion:While metabolic regulations upon exercise are similar in both sexes,differences in the correlation with fitness-related metadata,such as peak volitional oxygen consumption and performance,indicate a higher complexity in women and a limitation of previous knowledge to men only.The quantification approach together with the simplicity of the sampling paves the way to expand this type of research toward other fields of personalized medical services.
