Search Results (98)

This production study examines how Japanese speakers mark information structure through an Edge-Reinforcing Strategy—a prosodic system that signals focus via boundary-based cues, independently of lexical pitch accent or phrasing constraints. While many Japanese dialects mark focus with F0 expansion and post-focal compression, such strategies are limited in utterances containing unaccented words and in systems without lexical accent or multiword Accentual Phrases. We hypothesize that when pitch cues are constrained, speakers rely on temporal and spectral cues aligned with prosodic edges, such as silence insertion, jaw opening, and duration asymmetry. Nine educated speakers of Japanese standard produced 48 genitive noun-phrases (e.g., umáno hizume ‘horse’s hoof’) under Broad and Narrow Focus. Acoustic measures included word duration, and F1-based estimates of jaw opening and silence insertions. Results showed that silence and duration were the strongest predictors of Narrow Focus, functioning additively and independently of pitch accent. F1-based measurements of jaw opening played a secondary, compensatory role, particularly in unaccented contexts. Cue-profile analysis revealed a functional hierarchy: silence and duration together were most effective, while jaw alone was less informative. These findings broaden current models of focus realization, showing that prosodic restructuring can emerge from gradient, edge-based cue integration. Full article

The factors that generate the extraordinary biodiversity of tropical regions are likely multifaceted. In this study, we tested our working hypothesis that a mosaic of contrasting habitats plays a key role in shaping the diversity of tropical pygmy moths (Lepidoptera: Nepticulidae). To explore this, we selected four ecologically distinct localities in Honduras and investigated whether closely related but distinct Nepticulidae species occur in different habitats. Collected specimens were dissected, and their genital structures photographed and analyzed. Molecular divergence was assessed using DnaSP, with Maximum Likelihood phylogenetic trees constructed in MEGA. Bayesian phylogenetic analyses and mitotype networks construction (TCS algorithm) were also performed. Our findings are presented in two case studies. In Case Study 1, three closely related yet distinct species were discovered in separate localities; in Case Study 2, four other closely related species were found in environmentally different sites. Comparative material from Colombia and Peru was also examined. Based on integrated morphological and molecular analyses, eight new species were identified and formally described. We conclude that contrasting environmental conditions exert selective pressures, and that morphologically and genetically similar species—likely derived from a common ancestor—have diverged, exemplifying the process of adaptive radiation. Full article

Vulvar viral infections such as condyloma acuminata, genital herpes, molluscum contagiosum, and Lipschütz ulcers span both sexually and non-sexually transmitted diseases and affect patients across all age groups. Lesions may present as papules, verrucous growths, or painful ulcers, often causing functional impairment and significant psychosocial distress. A multidisciplinary strategy that integrates epidemiology, precise diagnostics, individualized therapy, and psychological support is essential to optimize outcomes. We performed a structured literature search in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science using terms “vulvar viral infection,” “HPV,” “HSV,” “molluscum contagiosum,” and “Lipschütz ulcers.” International guidelines from the UK, Europe, and Australia were reviewed, alongside reference lists of key articles. Particular attention was given to paradoxical presentations, pediatric considerations, and cost-effectiveness analyses. HPV vaccination programs have markedly reduced anogenital warts, while early PCR/NAAT for HSV accelerates targeted antiviral therapy. First-line treatments like oral acyclovir/famciclovir for HSV and topical imiquimod or podophyllotoxin (±cryotherapy) for HPV are supported by adjunctive measures for self-limiting conditions. Host factors (hormonal cycles, immune status) and local irritants modulate recurrence risk, informing anticipatory suppressive regimens and barrier-reinforcing care. Validated patient-reported outcome measures (VPAQ, DLQI, FSFI) capture pain, sexual function, and quality-of-life impacts. Health–economic evaluations underscore the long-term value of rapid diagnostics and broad vaccination. Personalized, multidisciplinary management that combines prevention, precision diagnostics, tailored therapy, psychosocial support, and economic considerations offers the greatest promise for improving clinical and quality-of-life outcomes in patients with vulvar viral infections. We aim to outline best practices for the diagnosis and management of common vulvar viral infections, providing practical guidance for clinicians to improve recognition and therapeutic decision-making. Full article

Insects exhibit diverse ecological characteristics, but species identification is challenging due to high morphological similarity. Traditional methods require genitalia dissection, which damages specimens and flattens three-dimensional structures, potentially losing key morphological details. In this study, we evaluate the utility of Micro-CT (Computed Tomography) as a non-destructive alternative for species identification by comparing genitalia structures obtained through Micro-CT with those obtained through traditional dissection. Micro-CT enabled three-dimensional reconstructions of male genitalia and aedeagus, providing detailed views from multiple angles without physical damage. The aedeagus was also virtually separated in a digital environment, further enhancing morphological analysis. Using this approach, we identified three new species, Casmara fulvacorona sp. nov. from Sumatra, C. falcatussica sp. nov. and C. fuscatulipa sp. nov. from Taiwan, based on genitalia characteristics. In addition, we provide a checklist of all Casmara Walker, 1863 species reported to date, including these newly described species, to confirm and clarify the distribution of this genus. Our results demonstrate that the additional use of Micro-CT in insect species identification can provide a scientific basis for reviewing and increasing confidence in species identification based on genital dissection. Full article

Background: Differences of sex development (DSD) are a group of congenital conditions characterized by atypical development of genital structures. The diagnosis is complex and involves clinical, hormonal, and genetic evaluations. Objective: To describe the clinical profile, diagnosis, and management of patients with DSD, with particular attention to genetic diagnosis. Study design: Retrospective study from a tertiary care pediatric hospital in Italy. Methods: 420 patients with DSD referred to the Endocrine Unit of Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital in Rome, Italy, between 2016 and 2023 were included. Results: 75 patients had a 46,XY karyotype, 135 had a 46,XX karyotype, and 210 had chromosomal mosaicism. In our group of pediatric DSD patients, 21/420 patients were born from pregnancies induced with assisted reproduction techniques (ICSI/FIVET). Of these 21 patients, 5 had sex chromosome mosaicism. Using next-generation sequencing (NGS), we identified three new genetic variants: one in the AR gene, one in the NR5A1 gene, and one in the SRY gene. The use of NGS significantly improved the diagnostic yield, and a definitive diagnosis was reached in 84.76% of the entire cohort. Conclusions: This study highlights the challenges in the management of patients with DSD from early recognition to treatment and follow-up. A multidisciplinary approach is essential for a comprehensive evaluation of these conditions and to understand the role and clinical significance of the genetic variants. Full article

Trichomonas vaginalis, a prevalent sexually transmitted protozoan parasite, is associated with adverse birth outcomes, increased risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, infertility, and cervical cancer. Despite its widespread impact, trichomoniasis remains underdiagnosed and underreported globally. Trichomonas vaginalis virus (TVV), a double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) virus infecting T. vaginalis, could impact T. vaginalis pathogenicity. We provide an overview of TVV, including its genomic structure, transmission, impact on protein expression, role in 5-nitroimidazole drug susceptibility, and clinical significance. TVV is a ~5 kbp dsRNA virus enclosed within a viral capsid closely associated with the Golgi complex and plasma membrane of infected parasites. Hypothetical mechanisms of TVV transmission have been proposed. TVV affects protein expression in T. vaginalis, including cysteine proteases and surface antigens, thus impacting its virulence and ability to evade the immune system. Additionally, TVV may influence the sensitivity of T. vaginalis to treatment; clinical isolates of T. vaginalis not harboring TVV are more likely to be resistant to metronidazole. Clinically, TVV-positive T. vaginalis infections have been associated with a range in severity of genital signs and symptoms. Further research into interactions between T. vaginalis and TVV is essential in improving diagnosis, treatment, and the development of targeted interventions. Full article

Background: the distribution of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, vaccination rates, and awareness levels varies across China. Methods: this study examined HPV infection prevalence, vaccine uptake, and barriers among 2440 women aged 30–64 in Shenzhen, China, using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to analyze associated factors. Results: The overall HPV prevalence was 14.2% (347/2440), with HPV52 being the most common type, followed by HPV58 and HPV53. Factors significantly associated with HPV infection included more sexual partners, genital tract infections, manual labor, and single marital status (p < 0.05), whereas higher education demonstrated a protective association (p < 0.05). The HPV vaccination rate was 41.8% in ages 30–45. There were direct effect indicators of younger age, fewer pregnancies, and premenopausal status (p < 0.05) on HPV vaccine uptake, whereas inversely associated factors included divorce/widowed, lower household income, irregular menstruation, more deliveries, no contraception, and lack of HPV knowledge. Among 828 unvaccinated individuals, 47.9% of those aged 46–64 were willing if the age restrictions were expanded, with the main barrier being a lack of vaccine knowledge (40.7%). Willingness was significantly associated with younger age and healthcare occupation (p < 0.05), but negatively with eastern Shenzhen residence, lower household income, no HPV disease awareness, abnormal leucorrhea, lack of HPV knowledge, and belief against post-vaccination screening (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Socioeconomic disparities in HPV infection and vaccination rates in Shenzhen highlight intervention priorities. The impact of HPV knowledge underscores the need for effective health communication. The vaccination willingness and infection status among women aged 45+ provide supporting evidence for expanding HPV vaccination to older age groups. Full article

Calyptra Ochsenheimer, 1816 is an important genus of fruit piercers and blood feeders with 18 described species worldwide. Both sexes of all Calyptra species pierce fruit. Adults feed upon and damage soft-skinned (e.g., Rubus and Vitis) and thicker-skinned fruits (e.g., Ficus and Citrus) in subtropical and tropical Asia. These moths are rare examples of a lepidopteran lineage that uses its fruit-piercing mouthparts to pierce the skin of vertebrate animals occasionally. In China, 10 species of this genus have been reported. Here, we identified seven species of the genus Calyptra Ochsenheimer, 1816 from Chinese fauna, including C. gruesa, C. thalictri, C. hokkaida, C. albivirgata, C. orthograpta, C. fletcheri, and C. lata. Detailed illustrations of male and female external morphology and genital structures are provided. A comprehensive worldwide checklist of the genus Calyptra is also included. This study highlights significant taxonomic revisions and morphological features for this genus within Chinese fauna. Full article

Recent studies on agglutinative languages, such as Japanese, Finnish, and Turkish, have reported case marking deficits in children with developmental language disorder.In this study, we investigate case marking in bilingual children speaking Turkish as a heritage language in Germany in comparison to those in France and the U.S. and late successive bilinguals in Germany. The research focuses on the potential use of case marking to identify developmental language disorder in Turkish as a heritage language. In this study, we compare data obtained from 73 children with and without developmental language disorder (age 5;1–11;6) that speak Turkish as a heritage language to those obtained from 10 late successive bilinguals (age range 7;12–12;2) in Germany, France, and the U.S., analyzing case marking and the possessive markers included in genitive–possessive constructions and using both standard and heritage Turkish as reference varieties. The results show that the groups differ significantly (p < 0.05) regarding the use of case and possessive markers. Current first language use is the leading predictor of performance in case marker production in the TEDİL when using heritage Turkish as the reference variety in scoring. The results demonstrate that children with developmental language disorder that speak heritage Turkish produce fewer case markers and show higher rates of omission and substitution errors, particularly in accusative/dative and genitive markers, thus confirming the results of previous research. The omission of possessive and genitive markers in simpler structures may serve as a clinical marker of developmental language disorder, allowing for children with typical language development that speak heritage Turkish to be distinguished from those with a developmental language disorder. Full article

Young adults diagnosed with severe mental illness (SMI), intellectual disability (ID), and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often experience significant barriers in accessing sexual health education, contributing to poor sexual and relational well-being. The Educational Intervention and Training Program on Sexuality and Affectivity (eITPoSA) was developed to address this gap through a structured psycho-educational approach tailored to their cognitive and emotional needs. A pilot study was conducted with 12 participants diagnosed with SMI, ID, and ASD, who attended the training sessions covering topics such as body knowledge, genital sexuality, privacy, and hygiene. Pre- and post-intervention assessments were carried out using structured monitoring grids, with data analyzed through descriptive statistics, paired-samples t-tests, and Cohen’s d to evaluate effect sizes. Results demonstrated statistically significant improvements across all domains, particularly in body knowledge (31.43% to 86.65%), genital sexuality (15% to 90%), and hygiene (47.27% to 96.36%). These findings suggest that the eITPoSA program effectively enhances sexual and relational competencies in young adults diagnosed with SMI, ID, and ASD. Future research should focus on expanding the sample size and exploring long-term retention of educational outcomes to further validate the program’s efficacy. Full article

Sperm cryopreservation is a powerful tool for the conservation of endangered species, but its application requires adapting protocols to particular species, due to differences in sperm structure, function, and cryosensitivity. Research on the biology of endangered felids primarily relies on the domestic cat as an experimental model. Semen from live animals can be collected using several methods. However, in animals that die due to roadkill or in the field, spermatozoa must be retrieved from the epididymis. Differences may exist in the cryosensitivity of epididymal and ejaculated sperm due to the influence of secretions from accessory genital glands. We analyzed the effects of several factors on the motility and acrosomal integrity of cryopreserved cat epididymal spermatozoa, including cooling rate, storage system, time and temperature of straw loading, and the freezing method in nitrogen vapors. There were no significant differences in motility or acrosomal integrity at thawing between fast (−0.5 °C/min) or slow (−0.125 °C/min) cooling rates or between loading straws at room temperature versus 5 °C. Post-thaw motility was significantly higher when using straws compared to pellets and when freezing in nitrogen vapors at two levels rather than at a single level. Additionally, interactions between the loading temperature of straws and both motility and acrosomal integrity were not significant. These results are important for standardizing protocols to cryopreserve feline epididymal sperm, facilitating the rescue of genetic material from endangered species in the field. Full article

The taxonomy of genus Ambulyx Westwood, 1847 from China is reviewed based on analysis of wing morphology, male and female genitalia and phylogenetic relationships derived from DNA barcodes. A new species, Ambulyx wukong sp. nov. is described from NW Yunnan, China. A male of the rare species, A. zhejiangensis from Yintiaoling Nature Reserve, Chongqing, China is examined and its male genitalia illustrated for the first time. Two taxa are newly recorded from China, A. tattina tattina from Xishuangbanna, Yunnan, and A. semiplacida montana from Pingbian, Yunnan. Distribution maps, biological notes, and ecological records are also given. Full article

Sandflies, small insects primarily from the Psychodidae family, are commonly found in sandy, tropical, and subtropical regions. Most active during dawn and dusk, female sandflies feed on blood to facilitate egg production. In doing so, they can transmit infectious diseases that may cause symptoms such as fever, headaches, muscle pain, anemia, skin rashes, and ulcers. Importantly, sandflies are species-specific in their disease transmission. Determining the gender and species of sandflies typically involves examining their morphology and internal anatomy using established identification keys. However, this process requires expert knowledge and is labor-intensive, time-consuming, and prone to misidentification. In this paper, we develop a highly accurate and efficient convolutional network model that utilizes pharyngeal and genital images of sandfly samples to classify the sex and species of three sandfly species (i.e., Phlebotomus sergenti, Ph. alexandri, and Ph. papatasi). A detailed evaluation of the model’s structure and classification performance was conducted using multiple metrics. The results demonstrate an excellent sex-species classification accuracy exceeding 95%. Hence, it is possible to develop automated artificial intelligence-based systems that serve the entomology community at large and specialized professionals. Full article

The prevalence of female reproductive system disorders is increasing, especially among women of reproductive age, significantly impacting their quality of life and overall health. Managing these diseases effectively is challenging due to the complex nature of the female reproductive system, characterized by dynamic physiological environments and intricate anatomical structures. Innovative drug delivery approaches are necessary to facilitate the precise regulation and manipulation of biological tissues. Nanotechnology is increasingly considered to manage reproductive system disorders, for example, nanomaterial imaging allows for early detection and enhances diagnostic precision to determine disease severity and progression. Additionally, nano drug delivery systems are gaining attention for their ability to target the reproductive system successfully, thereby increasing therapeutic efficacy and decreasing side effects. This comprehensive review outlines the anatomy of the female upper genital tract by highlighting the complex mucosal barriers and their impact on systemic and local drug delivery. Advances in nano drug delivery are described for their sustainable therapeutic action and increased biocompatibility to highlight the potential of nano drug delivery strategies in managing female upper genital tract disorders. Full article

TRPS1 (Tricho-rhino-phalangeal syndrome 1) is a GATA transcriptional activator gene encoding for a protein used as a sensitive immunohistochemical marker of breast carcinomas. In dermatopathology, TRPS1 is used as a marker of mammary and extramammary Paget’s disease and is also expressed by a variety of primary cutaneous tumors, mostly of adnexal origin. So far, very limited data exist on the expression of TRPS1 in metastatic skin tumors. We studied the immunohistochemical expression of TRPS1 in 72 cutaneous metastatic tumors from the breast (n: 19) and other origins (n: 53) in order to assess its diagnostic usefulness. The intensity of TRPS1 immunostaining was expressed as a histoscore: the product of the percentage of positive cells (scored semi-quantitatively 0–4) and the staining intensity (scored 0–3). In normal skin, nuclear TRPS1 expression was predominantly observed in cells of adnexal structures (pilosebaceous follicles and sweat glands). Eighteen (18/19, 94.7%) metastatic breast carcinomas showed diffuse and strong TRPS1 positivity (histoscore 12). Lower reactivity was found in some other metastases, including from the lung (11/22), the female genital tract (3/4), and the kidney (2/4), whereas most (20/22) metastases from the digestive system and peritoneum, along with a case of metastatic prostate carcinoma, were negative. These results suggest that a high histoscore for TRPS1 is in favor of the mammary origin of metastatic cutaneous carcinoma. Although TRPS1 is not absolutely specific or sensitive to a particular primary, we consider that it can be added to a panel of other markers when investigating the origin of a cutaneous metastasis, namely when this is the first manifestation of the neoplastic disease. Full article