Numerous bird species have adapted to rapid urbanization,navigating challenges introduced by novel stressors.While prior research has explored how urban exploiters adjust their physiology relative to their rural count...Numerous bird species have adapted to rapid urbanization,navigating challenges introduced by novel stressors.While prior research has explored how urban exploiters adjust their physiology relative to their rural counterparts during breeding season,the modulation of multiple physiological markers outside of reproduction,and the maintenance of sex-specific differences,remain less understood.Using an urban exploiter,the Eurasian tree sparrow(ETS;Passer montanus),we investigated how both sexes of urban and rural populations modulate twenty-two physiological markers of nutrition,body condition,oxidative stress,and antioxidative responses during pre-breeding stage.Our results showed that urban ETSs displayed distinct glucolipid metabolism compared to rural ETSs,characterized by higher levels of free fatty acids,β-hydroxybutyric acid,high-density lipoprotein(HDL),and total cholesterol,alongside lower levels of triglycerides,glucose(Glu),and fat content(FC).No significant differences were observed in other physiological markers.Additionally,both sexes of urban ETSs exhibited similar profiles across these markers,unlike rural populations where females showed higher Glu and total protein levels and lower HDL and FC levels than males.Our findings suggest that birds adjust their nutritional physiological markers in response to urbanization,likely due to dietary differences between urban and rural environments.Furthermore,sex differences in physiological markers of nutrition,body condition,oxidative stress,and antioxidant responses appear to diminish in urban settings.展开更多
From The Unicorn in the Garden to The Catbird Seat and two adaptations of Little Red Riding Hood,this thesis,mainly based on several famous works of Jame Thurber,by comparison and contrast,aims to analyze the battle o...From The Unicorn in the Garden to The Catbird Seat and two adaptations of Little Red Riding Hood,this thesis,mainly based on several famous works of Jame Thurber,by comparison and contrast,aims to analyze the battle of the sexes in James Thurber’s literary works.展开更多
BACKGROUND: The wave form, latency and wave amplitude of visual evoked potentials (VEP) are obviously affected by the stimulative parameters, physiological status of the subjects and anesthetics, thus there are greate...BACKGROUND: The wave form, latency and wave amplitude of visual evoked potentials (VEP) are obviously affected by the stimulative parameters, physiological status of the subjects and anesthetics, thus there are greater normal variations and individual differences. The features of flash VEP (F-VEP) are to be observed. OBJECTIVE: To observe and compare the differences of F-VEP latencies and wave amplitudes between eyes in rabbits, and investigate the correlation with sex and the side of eyes. DESIGN: A comparative animal experiment. SETTING: Department of Neurosurgery, General Hospital of Chinese PLA. MATERIALS: The experiment was carried out in the neurophysiological laboratory of the Institute of Neurosciences, General Hospital of Chinese PLA from September 2004 to February 2005. Thirty big-ear rabbits of clean degree, 15 males and 15 females, weighing 2.0-2.5 kg, were provided by the animal center of the General Hospital of Chinese PLA. METHODS: Viking-IV perioperative monitor and flash stimulator for special use were applied. The rabbits were anesthetized with intramuscular injection of compound ketamine. The recording electrode was placed at 3 mm anterior to exoccipital tuberosity (onion, Oz), and the reference electrode was placed at the ear edge of the same side. The stimulative frequency was 1.9 Hz, and the amplifier was 50 μV; The range of wave filter was 5 Hz for high pass and 100 Hz for low pass; The average overlapping was 200 times, and the analytical time was 250 ms. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Comparison of F-VEP wave forms; F-VEP latencies and wave amplitudes. RESULTS: All the 30 rabbits were involved in the analysis of results. ① Comparison of F-VEP wave forms in rabbits: The F-VEP waves mainly manifested as positive-negative-positive (PNP). The F-VEP manifestations to light stimulations were extremely similar between left and right eyes, and the wave amplitudes of both eyes were obviously increased. ② Determinations of F-VEP latencies and wave amplitudes: There were no significant differences in the latencies and wave amplitudes of F-VEP between the two groups (P > 0.05), the latencies of P1, N1 and P2 waves of left eye were (32.59±2.01), (43.85±4.35) and (66.20±8.13) ms, respectively, and the wave amplitudes of P1, N1 and P2 waves of left eye were (16.45±10.22), (7.93±3.56) and (17.62±8.18) μV. F-VEP latencies were stable with small changes, whereas amplitudes had greater changes. CONCLUSION: ① The latency and wave amplitudes F-VEP were stable with good repetition. ② The latencies and wave amplitudes had no significant differences between males and females, as well as between left and right eyes. Further investigation should be undertaken on the animal and clinical field.展开更多
We investigate the influence of the Unruh effect on the quantum Battle of the Sexes (BOF). We show that the acceleration of a noninertial frame greatly affects the payoffs of the players. In the case of Battle of the ...We investigate the influence of the Unruh effect on the quantum Battle of the Sexes (BOF). We show that the acceleration of a noninertial frame greatly affects the payoffs of the players. In the case of Battle of the Sexes, the Nash Equilibra in the inertial frame may be equilibrium but in other games this conclusion may not be true anymore. Furthermore, we also show that the new Nash Equilibria of the game played in the noninertial frame and the probability distributions of the players in the new Nash Equilibria vary with the acceleration of moving player and the degree of entanglement in the initial state shared by the players.展开更多
The aim of this paper is to reveal the mechanism of compromise and change in coordination where players agree in general but disagree on coordination methods. When players agree on the need to collaborate but are in c...The aim of this paper is to reveal the mechanism of compromise and change in coordination where players agree in general but disagree on coordination methods. When players agree on the need to collaborate but are in conflict regarding the specific method, one player must always compromise. This situation is known as the Battle of the Sexes in game theory. It has ever been believed that if an agreement is reached under such circumstances, the players do not have the incentive to withdraw from the agreement. However, this study shows that this belief is not always true if the players were able to revise the outcome of their negotiations later. The wide-ranging fields use game theories for their analysis frameworks to analyze the success or failure of coordination. However, comparing with the possibility of betrayal illustrated as a well-known Prisoner Dilemma, it has been rare to discuss conflict regarding the specific method of coordination, although such situations are often observed in today＇s interdependent real world. The repeated Battle of the Sexes games presented in this study would be a useful framework to analyze conflict regarding the specific method of coordination.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
The Y-located testis-specific protein Y-encoded (TSPY) and its X-homologue TSPX originated from the same ancestral gene, but act as a proto-oncogene and a tumor suppressor gene, respectively. TSPY has specialized in m...The Y-located testis-specific protein Y-encoded (TSPY) and its X-homologue TSPX originated from the same ancestral gene, but act as a proto-oncogene and a tumor suppressor gene, respectively. TSPY has specialized in male-specific functions, while TSPX has assumed the functions of the ancestral gene. Both TSPY and TSPX harbor a conserved SET/NAP domain, but are divergent at flanking structures. Specifically, TSPX contains a C-terminal acidic domain, absent in TSPY. They possess contrasting properties, in which TSPY and TSPX, respectively, accelerate and arrest cell proliferation, stimulate and inhibit cyclin B-CDK1 phosphorylation activities, have no effect and promote proteosomal degradation of the viral HBx oncoprotein, and exacerbate and repress androgen receptor (AR) and constitutively active AR variant, such as AR-V7, gene transactivation. The inhibitory domain has been mapped to the carboxyl acidic domain in TSPX, truncation of which results in an abbreviated TSPX exerting positive actions as TSPY. Transposition of the acidic domain to the C-terminus of TSPY results in an inhibitory protein as intact TSPX. Hence, genomic mutations/aberrant splicing events could generate TSPX proteins with truncated acidic domain and oncogenic properties as those for TSPY. Further, TSPY is upregulated by AR and AR-V7 in ligand-dependent and ligand-independent manners, respectively, suggesting the existence of a positive feedback loop between a Y-located proto-oncogene and male sex hormone/receptors, thereby amplifying the respective male oncogenic actions in human cancers and diseases. TSPX counteracts such positive feedback loop. Hence, TSPY and TSPX are homologues on the sex chromosomes that function at the two extremes of the human oncogenic spectrum.展开更多
Autism spectrum disorders(ASD)are characterized by social and repetitive abnormalities.Although the ASD mouse model with Shank3b mutations is widely used in ASD research,the behavioral phenotype of this model has not ...Autism spectrum disorders(ASD)are characterized by social and repetitive abnormalities.Although the ASD mouse model with Shank3b mutations is widely used in ASD research,the behavioral phenotype of this model has not been fully elucidated.Here,a 3D-motion capture system and linear discriminant analysis were used to comprehensively record and analyze the behavioral patterns of male and female Shank3b mutant mice.It was found that both sexes replicated the core and accompanied symptoms of ASD,with significant sex differences.Further,Shank3b heterozygous knockout mice exhibited distinct autistic behaviors,that were significantly different from those those observed in the wild type and homozygous knockout groups.Our findings provide evidence for the inclusion of both sexes and experimental approaches to efficiently characterize heterozygous transgenic models,which are more clinically relevant in autistic studies.展开更多
Knowledge of sex ratio and spatial distribution of males and females of dioecious species is both of evolutionary interest and of crucial importance for biological conservation. Eurycorymbus cavaleriei, the only speci...Knowledge of sex ratio and spatial distribution of males and females of dioecious species is both of evolutionary interest and of crucial importance for biological conservation. Eurycorymbus cavaleriei, the only species in the genus Eurycorymbus （Sapindaceae）, is a dioecious tree endemic to subtropical montane forest in South China. Sex ratios were investigated in 15 natural populations for the two defined ages （young and old）. Spatial distribution of males and females was further studied in six large populations occurring in different habitats （fragmented and continuous）. The study revealed a slight trend of male- biased sex ratio in both ages of E. cavaleriei, but sex ratio of most populations （13 out of 15） did not display statistically significant deviation from equality. All of the four significantly male-biased populations in the young class shifted to equality or even female-biased, The Ripley＇s K analysis of the distribution of males with respect to females suggested that individuals of the opposite sexes were more randomly distributed rather than spatially structured. These results suggest that the male-biased sex ratio in E. cavaleriei may result from the precocity of males and habitat heterogeneity. The sex ratio and the sex spatial distribution pattern are unlikely to constitute a serious threat to the survival of the species.展开更多
Gynandromorphs,rare in vertebrates,exhibit distinct sex-determining gene expression on each side of the body despite sharing a uniform hormonal environment.This provides a unique opportunity to investigate the respect...Gynandromorphs,rare in vertebrates,exhibit distinct sex-determining gene expression on each side of the body despite sharing a uniform hormonal environment.This provides a unique opportunity to investigate the respective roles of genes and hormones in sex determination.We accidently obtained a gynandromorphic Zebra Finch with a male-female chimeric appearance but only with an ovary-like gonad.Its plasma estradiol was significantly higher than that of age-matched females,and its sexual partner preference was also feminine.Although it did not sing like males,its calls showed masculinization.In the brain on one side of the body with male plumage,the area of song motor nucleus,the robust nucleus of the arcopallium(RA),and the excitatory synaptic transmission of RA projection neurons showed masculinization.Transcriptome analysis revealed that genes related to cholinergic neuron function were significantly upregulated in the masculinized side of brain.Moreover,there were extensive and consistent expression differences of neuroactive substance receptor genes in both sides of body,indicating that cell-autonomous determination plays a key role in sex dimorphism of neuromodulation.展开更多
Biological sex is increasingly recognized as a crucial factor in evaluating the translational value of preclinical spinal cord injury(SCI)studies.The rising incidence of SCI in females challenges the historical preced...Biological sex is increasingly recognized as a crucial factor in evaluating the translational value of preclinical spinal cord injury(SCI)studies.The rising incidence of SCI in females challenges the historical precedent of SCI being a male-dominated condition.In contrast,most basic science researchers utilize single-sex studies to minimize complications associated with bladder care in males(Stewart et al.,2020).The findings of our recent publication identify sexually dimorphic immune responses to SCI in both mice and pigs(Kumari et al.,2025).Here,we will highlight these findings and discuss the impact of sex on SCI inflammation and recovery.展开更多
The genus Actinidia is primarily functionally dioecious,and early sex identification plays a crucial role in improving breeding efficiency and reducing production costs.In this study,the accuracy of three sex-linked m...The genus Actinidia is primarily functionally dioecious,and early sex identification plays a crucial role in improving breeding efficiency and reducing production costs.In this study,the accuracy of three sex-linked molecular markers(SyGI[Shy Girl],FrBy[Friendly Boy],and SmY1)in sex identification was evaluated in various Actinidia species.The selected marker products were subsequently cloned and sequenced in six wild Actinidia species.Ninety-six wild A.chinensis chinensis accessions and 74 A.chinensis deliciosa accessions,most of which were wild,with only one cultivated,were used for comprehensive primer validation.Thirty-three juvenile A.chinensis chinensis hybrid seedlings were used for practical application tests.The results showed that the marker SyGI accurately identified the sex of 20 samples from six Actinidia species and 96 A.chinensis chinensis accessions with 100%reliability.For Actinidia chinensis deliciosa,the identification accuracy reached 98.65%.Sequence analysis revealed that SyGI shared the highest similarity with the male-specific genomic region.Furthermore,SyGI achieved 100%accuracy in identifying the sex of 33 juvenile A.chinensis chinensis individuals.The findings confirm that the SyGI marker possesses high accuracy,strong specificity,and broad applicability,making it a valuable tool for kiwifruit breeding programs.The cloned sequences from wild Actinidia species also provide important references for future research on the mechanisms of sexual evolution and determination.展开更多
As a gene required for sexual development,intersex(ix),functions in concert with the female-specific product of doublesex(dsx)at the end of the hierarchy to facilitate the sex-specific differentiation of sexually dimo...As a gene required for sexual development,intersex(ix),functions in concert with the female-specific product of doublesex(dsx)at the end of the hierarchy to facilitate the sex-specific differentiation of sexually dimorphic characters in female Drosophila melanogaster.In the present study,we initially identified the ix homolog in Gryllus bimaculatus,with the detection of a single isoform expressed in both sexes.Phylogenetic analyses and multiple sequence alignment revealed that Gbix exhibited conservation.Here we employed RNA interference(RNAi)and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats(CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated nuclease 9(Cas9),respectively,to analyze the functions of Gbix.Our findings indicated that Gbix played a crucial role in the normal development of the embryo and nymph,as well as in the regulation of wing morphogenesis in both sexes.RNAi-mediated knockdown of Gbix resulted in poorly developed ovaries,whereas testicular development was not significantly affected.Nevertheless,CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout of Gbix resulted in internal genital defects in both sexes,which ultimately led to a reduction in reproductive capacity in female and male individuals.Our results provide insights into the pleiotropic functions of Gbix in embryogenesis and sexual development,while also advancing our comprehension of sex determination in a hemimetabolous insect species.展开更多
The liver is increasingly recognized as a major regulator of systemic cardio-renal-metabolic health.Evidence is mounting that sex-chromosome dosage per se itself,independent of gonadal sex hormones,modulates hepatic p...The liver is increasingly recognized as a major regulator of systemic cardio-renal-metabolic health.Evidence is mounting that sex-chromosome dosage per se itself,independent of gonadal sex hormones,modulates hepatic physiology and liver disease risk.Turner syndrome(TS;monosomy X)and Klinefelter syndrome(KS;47,XXY and variants)are the two most common sex-chromosome aneuploidies and carry a clinically relevant,yet often under-appreciated,burden of liver disease.Population studies show that individuals with TS have 2-to sixfold higher odds of raised liver enzymes,steatotic liver disease,advanced fibrosis,and even hepatocellular malignancy compared with to sex-and age-matched controls.In KS,the prevalence of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease(MASLD)reaches approximately 45%,with testosterone deficiency,visceral adiposity,and systemic inflammation acting as key drivers.Pathogenetic mechanisms converge on vascular dysgenesis and estrogen deficiency in TS,and on hypogonadism-related metabolic derangements in KS,together accelerating steatosis,inflammation,and fibrogenesis.This concise review/Comprehensive perspective reviews discusses historical background,epidemiology,hepatic phenotypes,pathophysiology,and current diagnostic and management recommendations.It also highlights critical knowledge gaps,including the need for prospective cohorts,optimized hormone-replacement protocols,and trials of emerging pharmacological approaches anti-MASH agents.Raising awareness among all stakeholders,endocrinologists,hepatologists,and primary-care physicians is essential for early detection,multidisciplinary management,and improved hepatic and extra-hepatic outcomes in these vulnerable patient populations.展开更多
Lizards usually exhibit frequent turnovers and a much greater diversity of sex determination mechanisms compared to birds and mammals,with the conserved ZW sex chromosomes of anguimorph lizards originating over 115 mi...Lizards usually exhibit frequent turnovers and a much greater diversity of sex determination mechanisms compared to birds and mammals,with the conserved ZW sex chromosomes of anguimorph lizards originating over 115 million years ago a seeming exception.We previously discovered in an anguimorph lizard Varanus acanthurus(Vac)whose entire chrW,but not chrZ is homologous to part of the chr2 by cytogenetic mapping,suggesting its complex history of sex chromosome evolution yet to be elucidated.To address this,we assemble a chromosome-level genome,and provide evidence that the Vac sex chromosome pair has undergone at least two times of recombination loss,producing a pattern of evolutionary strata like that of birds and mammals.Comparison to other lizard genomes date the stepwise propagation of specific retrotransposon subfamilies enriched near the duplicated gene pairs on the chrW and chr2 to the varanid ancestor.These retrotransposons probably have mediated the recruitment and amplification of autosomal genes on the chrW,including members of a large vomeronasal chemosensory receptor gene family V2R.Our results suggest that the W or Y chromosome as a refugium of repetitive elements,may recurrently recruit short-lived functional genes responsible for sexual dimorphisms during its long-term course of degeneration.展开更多
Higher prevalence of sporadic Alzheimer’s disease in women:Alzheimer’s disease(AD)is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder caused by the accumulation of amyloid-β(Aβ)plaques and Tau neurofibrillary tangles in t...Higher prevalence of sporadic Alzheimer’s disease in women:Alzheimer’s disease(AD)is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder caused by the accumulation of amyloid-β(Aβ)plaques and Tau neurofibrillary tangles in the affected brain regions.The clearance of these pathological protein aggregates by microglia can trigger excessive neuroinflammation,which contributes to brain atrophy.AD exhibits clinical heterogeneity and is characterized by highly complex,multifactorial etiology(Lopez-Lee et al.,2024).展开更多
Dear Editor,Amplexus,a reproductive behavior in which the male clasps the female dorsally,is a characteristic of amphibians(Wells,2007).Most species exhibit either inguinal or axillary amplexus,although some reproduce...Dear Editor,Amplexus,a reproductive behavior in which the male clasps the female dorsally,is a characteristic of amphibians(Wells,2007).Most species exhibit either inguinal or axillary amplexus,although some reproduce without it(Wells,2007).While male-female amplexus is predominant,other forms such as male-male and multiple-male amplexus have also been documented(Soni et al.,2025).Release calls are typically produced by amplexed males to signal mating mismatches and mitigate the costs of inappropriate clasping(Kelehear and Shine,2019).Female-female amplexus,however,is rare and considered maladaptive,as it does not lead to fertilization(Chuang et al.,2019).展开更多
Alzheimer’s disease(AD)is the most common form of dementia.In addition to the lack of effective treatments,there are limitations in diagnostic capabilities.The complexity of AD itself,together with a variety of other...Alzheimer’s disease(AD)is the most common form of dementia.In addition to the lack of effective treatments,there are limitations in diagnostic capabilities.The complexity of AD itself,together with a variety of other diseases often observed in a patient’s history in addition to their AD diagnosis,make deciphering the molecular mechanisms that underlie AD,even more important.Large datasets of single-cell RNA sequencing,single-nucleus RNA-sequencing(snRNA-seq),and spatial transcriptomics(ST)have become essential in guiding and supporting new investigations into the cellular and regional susceptibility of AD.However,with unique technology,software,and larger databases emerging;a lack of integration of these data can contribute to ineffective use of valuable knowledge.Importantly,there was no specialized database that concentrates on ST in AD that offers comprehensive differential analyses under various conditions,such as sex-specific,region-specific,and comparisons between AD and control groups until the new Single-cell and Spatial RNA-seq databasE for Alzheimer’s Disease(ssREAD)database(Wang et al.,2024)was introduced to meet the scientific community’s growing demand for comprehensive,integrated,and accessible data analysis.展开更多
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(NSFC,31971413)to D.L.
文摘Numerous bird species have adapted to rapid urbanization,navigating challenges introduced by novel stressors.While prior research has explored how urban exploiters adjust their physiology relative to their rural counterparts during breeding season,the modulation of multiple physiological markers outside of reproduction,and the maintenance of sex-specific differences,remain less understood.Using an urban exploiter,the Eurasian tree sparrow(ETS;Passer montanus),we investigated how both sexes of urban and rural populations modulate twenty-two physiological markers of nutrition,body condition,oxidative stress,and antioxidative responses during pre-breeding stage.Our results showed that urban ETSs displayed distinct glucolipid metabolism compared to rural ETSs,characterized by higher levels of free fatty acids,β-hydroxybutyric acid,high-density lipoprotein(HDL),and total cholesterol,alongside lower levels of triglycerides,glucose(Glu),and fat content(FC).No significant differences were observed in other physiological markers.Additionally,both sexes of urban ETSs exhibited similar profiles across these markers,unlike rural populations where females showed higher Glu and total protein levels and lower HDL and FC levels than males.Our findings suggest that birds adjust their nutritional physiological markers in response to urbanization,likely due to dietary differences between urban and rural environments.Furthermore,sex differences in physiological markers of nutrition,body condition,oxidative stress,and antioxidant responses appear to diminish in urban settings.
文摘From The Unicorn in the Garden to The Catbird Seat and two adaptations of Little Red Riding Hood,this thesis,mainly based on several famous works of Jame Thurber,by comparison and contrast,aims to analyze the battle of the sexes in James Thurber’s literary works.
文摘BACKGROUND: The wave form, latency and wave amplitude of visual evoked potentials (VEP) are obviously affected by the stimulative parameters, physiological status of the subjects and anesthetics, thus there are greater normal variations and individual differences. The features of flash VEP (F-VEP) are to be observed. OBJECTIVE: To observe and compare the differences of F-VEP latencies and wave amplitudes between eyes in rabbits, and investigate the correlation with sex and the side of eyes. DESIGN: A comparative animal experiment. SETTING: Department of Neurosurgery, General Hospital of Chinese PLA. MATERIALS: The experiment was carried out in the neurophysiological laboratory of the Institute of Neurosciences, General Hospital of Chinese PLA from September 2004 to February 2005. Thirty big-ear rabbits of clean degree, 15 males and 15 females, weighing 2.0-2.5 kg, were provided by the animal center of the General Hospital of Chinese PLA. METHODS: Viking-IV perioperative monitor and flash stimulator for special use were applied. The rabbits were anesthetized with intramuscular injection of compound ketamine. The recording electrode was placed at 3 mm anterior to exoccipital tuberosity (onion, Oz), and the reference electrode was placed at the ear edge of the same side. The stimulative frequency was 1.9 Hz, and the amplifier was 50 μV; The range of wave filter was 5 Hz for high pass and 100 Hz for low pass; The average overlapping was 200 times, and the analytical time was 250 ms. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Comparison of F-VEP wave forms; F-VEP latencies and wave amplitudes. RESULTS: All the 30 rabbits were involved in the analysis of results. ① Comparison of F-VEP wave forms in rabbits: The F-VEP waves mainly manifested as positive-negative-positive (PNP). The F-VEP manifestations to light stimulations were extremely similar between left and right eyes, and the wave amplitudes of both eyes were obviously increased. ② Determinations of F-VEP latencies and wave amplitudes: There were no significant differences in the latencies and wave amplitudes of F-VEP between the two groups (P > 0.05), the latencies of P1, N1 and P2 waves of left eye were (32.59±2.01), (43.85±4.35) and (66.20±8.13) ms, respectively, and the wave amplitudes of P1, N1 and P2 waves of left eye were (16.45±10.22), (7.93±3.56) and (17.62±8.18) μV. F-VEP latencies were stable with small changes, whereas amplitudes had greater changes. CONCLUSION: ① The latency and wave amplitudes F-VEP were stable with good repetition. ② The latencies and wave amplitudes had no significant differences between males and females, as well as between left and right eyes. Further investigation should be undertaken on the animal and clinical field.
文摘We investigate the influence of the Unruh effect on the quantum Battle of the Sexes (BOF). We show that the acceleration of a noninertial frame greatly affects the payoffs of the players. In the case of Battle of the Sexes, the Nash Equilibra in the inertial frame may be equilibrium but in other games this conclusion may not be true anymore. Furthermore, we also show that the new Nash Equilibria of the game played in the noninertial frame and the probability distributions of the players in the new Nash Equilibria vary with the acceleration of moving player and the degree of entanglement in the initial state shared by the players.
文摘The aim of this paper is to reveal the mechanism of compromise and change in coordination where players agree in general but disagree on coordination methods. When players agree on the need to collaborate but are in conflict regarding the specific method, one player must always compromise. This situation is known as the Battle of the Sexes in game theory. It has ever been believed that if an agreement is reached under such circumstances, the players do not have the incentive to withdraw from the agreement. However, this study shows that this belief is not always true if the players were able to revise the outcome of their negotiations later. The wide-ranging fields use game theories for their analysis frameworks to analyze the success or failure of coordination. However, comparing with the possibility of betrayal illustrated as a well-known Prisoner Dilemma, it has been rare to discuss conflict regarding the specific method of coordination, although such situations are often observed in today＇s interdependent real world. The repeated Battle of the Sexes games presented in this study would be a useful framework to analyze conflict regarding the specific method of coordination.
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.
文摘The Y-located testis-specific protein Y-encoded (TSPY) and its X-homologue TSPX originated from the same ancestral gene, but act as a proto-oncogene and a tumor suppressor gene, respectively. TSPY has specialized in male-specific functions, while TSPX has assumed the functions of the ancestral gene. Both TSPY and TSPX harbor a conserved SET/NAP domain, but are divergent at flanking structures. Specifically, TSPX contains a C-terminal acidic domain, absent in TSPY. They possess contrasting properties, in which TSPY and TSPX, respectively, accelerate and arrest cell proliferation, stimulate and inhibit cyclin B-CDK1 phosphorylation activities, have no effect and promote proteosomal degradation of the viral HBx oncoprotein, and exacerbate and repress androgen receptor (AR) and constitutively active AR variant, such as AR-V7, gene transactivation. The inhibitory domain has been mapped to the carboxyl acidic domain in TSPX, truncation of which results in an abbreviated TSPX exerting positive actions as TSPY. Transposition of the acidic domain to the C-terminus of TSPY results in an inhibitory protein as intact TSPX. Hence, genomic mutations/aberrant splicing events could generate TSPX proteins with truncated acidic domain and oncogenic properties as those for TSPY. Further, TSPY is upregulated by AR and AR-V7 in ligand-dependent and ligand-independent manners, respectively, suggesting the existence of a positive feedback loop between a Y-located proto-oncogene and male sex hormone/receptors, thereby amplifying the respective male oncogenic actions in human cancers and diseases. TSPX counteracts such positive feedback loop. Hence, TSPY and TSPX are homologues on the sex chromosomes that function at the two extremes of the human oncogenic spectrum.
基金National Science and Technology Innovation 2030-Major Project of China(2021ZD0201003 and 2022ZD0208300)National Natural Science Foundation of China(32171092)+3 种基金Shenzhen Key Basic Research Project(JCYJ20220818100805013)Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Viral Vectors for Biomedicine(ZDSYS20200811142401005)Guangdong Provincial Medical Products Administration Key Laboratory of Quality Control Technology for Virus-Based Therapeutics(2020ZDB26)Guangdong Provincial Medical Products Administration(2022ZDZ13).
文摘Autism spectrum disorders(ASD)are characterized by social and repetitive abnormalities.Although the ASD mouse model with Shank3b mutations is widely used in ASD research,the behavioral phenotype of this model has not been fully elucidated.Here,a 3D-motion capture system and linear discriminant analysis were used to comprehensively record and analyze the behavioral patterns of male and female Shank3b mutant mice.It was found that both sexes replicated the core and accompanied symptoms of ASD,with significant sex differences.Further,Shank3b heterozygous knockout mice exhibited distinct autistic behaviors,that were significantly different from those those observed in the wild type and homozygous knockout groups.Our findings provide evidence for the inclusion of both sexes and experimental approaches to efficiently characterize heterozygous transgenic models,which are more clinically relevant in autistic studies.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China (30470185)KIP Pilot Project of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (KSCX2-YW-N-061)
文摘Knowledge of sex ratio and spatial distribution of males and females of dioecious species is both of evolutionary interest and of crucial importance for biological conservation. Eurycorymbus cavaleriei, the only species in the genus Eurycorymbus （Sapindaceae）, is a dioecious tree endemic to subtropical montane forest in South China. Sex ratios were investigated in 15 natural populations for the two defined ages （young and old）. Spatial distribution of males and females was further studied in six large populations occurring in different habitats （fragmented and continuous）. The study revealed a slight trend of male- biased sex ratio in both ages of E. cavaleriei, but sex ratio of most populations （13 out of 15） did not display statistically significant deviation from equality. All of the four significantly male-biased populations in the young class shifted to equality or even female-biased, The Ripley＇s K analysis of the distribution of males with respect to females suggested that individuals of the opposite sexes were more randomly distributed rather than spatially structured. These results suggest that the male-biased sex ratio in E. cavaleriei may result from the precocity of males and habitat heterogeneity. The sex ratio and the sex spatial distribution pattern are unlikely to constitute a serious threat to the survival of the species.
基金funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32160123 and 32170974)Jiangxi Provincial Key Project of Natural Science Foundation(20212ACB205002)Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Organic Functional Molecules(2024SSY05141)。
文摘Gynandromorphs,rare in vertebrates,exhibit distinct sex-determining gene expression on each side of the body despite sharing a uniform hormonal environment.This provides a unique opportunity to investigate the respective roles of genes and hormones in sex determination.We accidently obtained a gynandromorphic Zebra Finch with a male-female chimeric appearance but only with an ovary-like gonad.Its plasma estradiol was significantly higher than that of age-matched females,and its sexual partner preference was also feminine.Although it did not sing like males,its calls showed masculinization.In the brain on one side of the body with male plumage,the area of song motor nucleus,the robust nucleus of the arcopallium(RA),and the excitatory synaptic transmission of RA projection neurons showed masculinization.Transcriptome analysis revealed that genes related to cholinergic neuron function were significantly upregulated in the masculinized side of brain.Moreover,there were extensive and consistent expression differences of neuroactive substance receptor genes in both sides of body,indicating that cell-autonomous determination plays a key role in sex dimorphism of neuromodulation.
基金supported by University of Kentucky-SCoBIRC Endowed Chair#5Craig H.Neilsen 1173493 and NIH RF1NS135504(to JCG).
文摘Biological sex is increasingly recognized as a crucial factor in evaluating the translational value of preclinical spinal cord injury(SCI)studies.The rising incidence of SCI in females challenges the historical precedent of SCI being a male-dominated condition.In contrast,most basic science researchers utilize single-sex studies to minimize complications associated with bladder care in males(Stewart et al.,2020).The findings of our recent publication identify sexually dimorphic immune responses to SCI in both mice and pigs(Kumari et al.,2025).Here,we will highlight these findings and discuss the impact of sex on SCI inflammation and recovery.
基金funded by Sichuan Science and Technology Program,grant numbers 2021YFYZ0010,2023YFH0006,2025YFHZ0295The Basic Research Program of Sichuan Provincial Research Institutes,grant numbers 2024JDKY0001 and 2023JDKY0001.
文摘The genus Actinidia is primarily functionally dioecious,and early sex identification plays a crucial role in improving breeding efficiency and reducing production costs.In this study,the accuracy of three sex-linked molecular markers(SyGI[Shy Girl],FrBy[Friendly Boy],and SmY1)in sex identification was evaluated in various Actinidia species.The selected marker products were subsequently cloned and sequenced in six wild Actinidia species.Ninety-six wild A.chinensis chinensis accessions and 74 A.chinensis deliciosa accessions,most of which were wild,with only one cultivated,were used for comprehensive primer validation.Thirty-three juvenile A.chinensis chinensis hybrid seedlings were used for practical application tests.The results showed that the marker SyGI accurately identified the sex of 20 samples from six Actinidia species and 96 A.chinensis chinensis accessions with 100%reliability.For Actinidia chinensis deliciosa,the identification accuracy reached 98.65%.Sequence analysis revealed that SyGI shared the highest similarity with the male-specific genomic region.Furthermore,SyGI achieved 100%accuracy in identifying the sex of 33 juvenile A.chinensis chinensis individuals.The findings confirm that the SyGI marker possesses high accuracy,strong specificity,and broad applicability,making it a valuable tool for kiwifruit breeding programs.The cloned sequences from wild Actinidia species also provide important references for future research on the mechanisms of sexual evolution and determination.
基金funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.31801997).
文摘As a gene required for sexual development,intersex(ix),functions in concert with the female-specific product of doublesex(dsx)at the end of the hierarchy to facilitate the sex-specific differentiation of sexually dimorphic characters in female Drosophila melanogaster.In the present study,we initially identified the ix homolog in Gryllus bimaculatus,with the detection of a single isoform expressed in both sexes.Phylogenetic analyses and multiple sequence alignment revealed that Gbix exhibited conservation.Here we employed RNA interference(RNAi)and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats(CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated nuclease 9(Cas9),respectively,to analyze the functions of Gbix.Our findings indicated that Gbix played a crucial role in the normal development of the embryo and nymph,as well as in the regulation of wing morphogenesis in both sexes.RNAi-mediated knockdown of Gbix resulted in poorly developed ovaries,whereas testicular development was not significantly affected.Nevertheless,CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout of Gbix resulted in internal genital defects in both sexes,which ultimately led to a reduction in reproductive capacity in female and male individuals.Our results provide insights into the pleiotropic functions of Gbix in embryogenesis and sexual development,while also advancing our comprehension of sex determination in a hemimetabolous insect species.
文摘The liver is increasingly recognized as a major regulator of systemic cardio-renal-metabolic health.Evidence is mounting that sex-chromosome dosage per se itself,independent of gonadal sex hormones,modulates hepatic physiology and liver disease risk.Turner syndrome(TS;monosomy X)and Klinefelter syndrome(KS;47,XXY and variants)are the two most common sex-chromosome aneuploidies and carry a clinically relevant,yet often under-appreciated,burden of liver disease.Population studies show that individuals with TS have 2-to sixfold higher odds of raised liver enzymes,steatotic liver disease,advanced fibrosis,and even hepatocellular malignancy compared with to sex-and age-matched controls.In KS,the prevalence of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease(MASLD)reaches approximately 45%,with testosterone deficiency,visceral adiposity,and systemic inflammation acting as key drivers.Pathogenetic mechanisms converge on vascular dysgenesis and estrogen deficiency in TS,and on hypogonadism-related metabolic derangements in KS,together accelerating steatosis,inflammation,and fibrogenesis.This concise review/Comprehensive perspective reviews discusses historical background,epidemiology,hepatic phenotypes,pathophysiology,and current diagnostic and management recommendations.It also highlights critical knowledge gaps,including the need for prospective cohorts,optimized hormone-replacement protocols,and trials of emerging pharmacological approaches anti-MASH agents.Raising awareness among all stakeholders,endocrinologists,hepatologists,and primary-care physicians is essential for early detection,multidisciplinary management,and improved hepatic and extra-hepatic outcomes in these vulnerable patient populations.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2023YFA1800500,2024YFA1802500)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32170415)+1 种基金supported by the Australian Government Research Training Program(RTP)stipend scholarship.supported by the Australian Research Council Discovery Project grant(ARC DP200101406).
文摘Lizards usually exhibit frequent turnovers and a much greater diversity of sex determination mechanisms compared to birds and mammals,with the conserved ZW sex chromosomes of anguimorph lizards originating over 115 million years ago a seeming exception.We previously discovered in an anguimorph lizard Varanus acanthurus(Vac)whose entire chrW,but not chrZ is homologous to part of the chr2 by cytogenetic mapping,suggesting its complex history of sex chromosome evolution yet to be elucidated.To address this,we assemble a chromosome-level genome,and provide evidence that the Vac sex chromosome pair has undergone at least two times of recombination loss,producing a pattern of evolutionary strata like that of birds and mammals.Comparison to other lizard genomes date the stepwise propagation of specific retrotransposon subfamilies enriched near the duplicated gene pairs on the chrW and chr2 to the varanid ancestor.These retrotransposons probably have mediated the recruitment and amplification of autosomal genes on the chrW,including members of a large vomeronasal chemosensory receptor gene family V2R.Our results suggest that the W or Y chromosome as a refugium of repetitive elements,may recurrently recruit short-lived functional genes responsible for sexual dimorphisms during its long-term course of degeneration.
基金supported by Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory core funding(3160)(to CTO).
文摘Higher prevalence of sporadic Alzheimer’s disease in women:Alzheimer’s disease(AD)is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder caused by the accumulation of amyloid-β(Aβ)plaques and Tau neurofibrillary tangles in the affected brain regions.The clearance of these pathological protein aggregates by microglia can trigger excessive neuroinflammation,which contributes to brain atrophy.AD exhibits clinical heterogeneity and is characterized by highly complex,multifactorial etiology(Lopez-Lee et al.,2024).
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.32571739,32270457,31872216,and 31670392)In addition,this study received approval from the Experimental Animal Ethics and Management Committee of Anhui University(IACUC(AHU)-2024-050).
文摘Dear Editor,Amplexus,a reproductive behavior in which the male clasps the female dorsally,is a characteristic of amphibians(Wells,2007).Most species exhibit either inguinal or axillary amplexus,although some reproduce without it(Wells,2007).While male-female amplexus is predominant,other forms such as male-male and multiple-male amplexus have also been documented(Soni et al.,2025).Release calls are typically produced by amplexed males to signal mating mismatches and mitigate the costs of inappropriate clasping(Kelehear and Shine,2019).Female-female amplexus,however,is rare and considered maladaptive,as it does not lead to fertilization(Chuang et al.,2019).
文摘Alzheimer’s disease(AD)is the most common form of dementia.In addition to the lack of effective treatments,there are limitations in diagnostic capabilities.The complexity of AD itself,together with a variety of other diseases often observed in a patient’s history in addition to their AD diagnosis,make deciphering the molecular mechanisms that underlie AD,even more important.Large datasets of single-cell RNA sequencing,single-nucleus RNA-sequencing(snRNA-seq),and spatial transcriptomics(ST)have become essential in guiding and supporting new investigations into the cellular and regional susceptibility of AD.However,with unique technology,software,and larger databases emerging;a lack of integration of these data can contribute to ineffective use of valuable knowledge.Importantly,there was no specialized database that concentrates on ST in AD that offers comprehensive differential analyses under various conditions,such as sex-specific,region-specific,and comparisons between AD and control groups until the new Single-cell and Spatial RNA-seq databasE for Alzheimer’s Disease(ssREAD)database(Wang et al.,2024)was introduced to meet the scientific community’s growing demand for comprehensive,integrated,and accessible data analysis.
