Search Results (92)

Triploids are typically formed through the fusion of a haploid gamete from a diploid organism and a diploid gamete from a tetraploid organism or through chromosome doubling in gametes by other means. To circumvent the multi-year flowering wait associated with tetraploid parents in conventional breeding, we developed a novel method for inducing triploid in birch through high-temperature treatment of female inflorescences. This approach integrates sexual hybridization with precise thermal treatment, with success hinging on the precise identification of the pollination window and the optimal treatment parameters. Our study systematically defines the optimal conditions for triploid production in birch via this high-temperature induction technique. The results demonstrate that the optimal period for stigma pollination was between day 5 to 6, immediately following the emergence of the stigma from the enclosing bracts. The most effective pollination was characterized by a bract dehiscence angle exceeding 60° on Day 15 after the pollination marks the phase of megaspore mother cell development. At this stage, the optimum treatment is either 40 °C for 2 h or alternately 42 °C for 1 h. These treatments result in the highest triploid induction rates of 33.82%, calculated with the total number of detected seedlings as the denominator. In addition, a logistic model was established between the ovary length-to-width ratio and the accumulated growing degree hours (GDH), providing a reliable quantitative indicator for determining the optimal timing of the high-temperature treatment. Compared with the conventional approach reliant on tetraploid parents, our method eliminates the lengthy phase of tetraploid induction and flowering wait (approximately 8 years), thereby reducing the triploid breeding cycle by about 6 years. The results substantiated the effectiveness of utilizing high temperatures to induce chromosome doubling in female gametes of birch species, providing a viable pathway for efficient polyploid breeding in this tree species. Full article

PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that interact with PIWI proteins and play essential roles in genome stability, gonadal development, and gametogenesis in animals. The Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) is an important marine culture teleost in North Asia, showing pronounced sexual size dimorphism, where gynogenetic induction of all-female cohorts can markedly enhance production. However, the PIWI/piRNA pathway in gynogenetic diploid P. olivaceus, which often exhibit gonadal dysgenesis, poor gamete quality, and low fertilization rates, remains poorly understood. In this study, RNA-seq and small RNA-seq data from 11 tissues and 6 developmental stages of common P. olivaceus, as well as the gonads of gynogenetic P. olivaceus, were analyzed to characterize the PIWI/piRNA pathway and its roles in transposon and gene regulation within the germline. The results showed that PIWI/piRNA genes were predominantly expressed in gonads and early embryogenesis in common P. olivaceus, with the highest expression in testis. Clustered piRNAs were identified in the testis and early embryos of common P. olivaceus, which targeted multiple transposon and gene families. Intriguingly, gynogenetic P. olivaceus gonads harbored abundant clustered piRNAs not only in the testes but also in the ovaries, both targeting similar transposon families as that in common P. olivaceus. Notably, the DNA transposon Tc1/Mariner family and pim genes were the most heavily targeted by piRNAs in gynogenetic P. olivaceus, with testis-biased expression. Expanded pim genes were identified in P. olivaceus, overlapping with piRNA clusters, and the in vitro test in P. olivaceus testes revealed that the expanded pim genes may be pseudogenes as a piRNA cluster reference to generate piRNAs regulating the conventional pim members. These unique features of the PIWI/piRNA pathway in gynogenetic diploid P. olivaceus may underline their impaired reproductive ability, and have important theoretical and practical implications for teleost gynogenetic breeding. Full article

Chronic stress (CS) is known to induce testicular oxidative stress and apoptosis. Fruit of Momordica charantia (FMC) has antioxidant capacity to protect tissue damage, but its effect on sexual activity and testicular damage caused by CS has never been documented. This study aimed to investigate the impact of FMC extract against testicular damage and sexual dysfunction in chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) rats. Rats were divided into four groups and pretreated with vehicle or FMC (40 and 80 mg/kg) before CUS induction for 56 days. Sexual behaviors, serum hormones, and sperm quality were analyzed. Testes were collected to determine daily sperm production (DSP), malondialdehyde (MDA) level, and expressions of cleaved apoptotic proteins. Testicular DNA fragmentation, as revealed by TUNEL and morphometric analysis, was observed. FMC improved sexual activity, increased testosterone levels, and sperm count with improvements in DSP, testicular morphometrics, and MDA levels. Moreover, TUNEL-positive cells and expression of caspase 3 in the testis were decreased in FMC rats. FMC has antioxidant potential and could protect against male sexual dysfunction and testicular damage caused by stress-related apoptosis. It is a potential extract to be developed as a supplement in preventing CS-male subfertility. However, future studies about the optimal dose and clinical trials are required. Full article

Background: There is a dearth of evidence on the roles and views of stakeholders regarding the sexually transmitted infections (STIs) service provision among key and priority populations (KPPs) within primary healthcare (PHC) settings. Aim: This study assessed the roles and views of stakeholders regarding the STI services scope, content, accessibility, quality, affordability, and availability, as well as associated gaps and successes among KPP within PHC facilities in the Capricorn District of Limpopo Province in South Africa. Methods: An exploratory research design was used. In-depth face-to-face interviews with 18 STI stakeholders were conducted. The STI stakeholders were purposively selected from five PHC facilities. An inductive analytical approach was employed to develop themes and sub-themes. Tesch’s step analysis informed the development of the thematic analysis process. Results: The presence of peer counsellors, home-based caregivers, and the operation of STI services day and night in two selected facilities enhanced access and availability of STI services. Consistent in-service training for service providers was implemented to improve service quality and maintain professional competency. Barriers that prevented adequate STI service provision in this study included staff shortages, inadequate filing systems, lack of advanced-diagnostic equipment, and patients’ noncompliance with treatment regimens. The successes of the STI service provision were effective STI treatment and services integration within the facilities. Conclusions: The findings of this study have unveiled several methods to increase access and availability to STI services among KPPs in the selected PHC facilities. We recommend gathering responses and experiences from STI service users regarding the current STI service provision to foster innovative and targeted approaches within PHC facilities in Limpopo Province. Full article

Conidiation and stress tolerance are pivotal traits in entomopathogenic fungi, critically influencing their production costs and environmental tolerance. While the transcription factor high-mobility group protein (HMG), characterized by a conserved HMG-box domain, has been extensively studied for its role in sexual development, its functions in entomopathogenic fungi remain largely unexplored. This study employed gene knockout to investigate the role of MaHMG in Metarhizium acridum. The deletion of MaHMG delayed conidiation initiation and caused a highly significant 58% reduction in conidial yield versus that of the wild type (WT) after 15 days. Furthermore, the conidiation pattern on microcycle induction medium (SYA) shifted from microcycle to normal conidiation. The ΔMaHMG mutant exhibited decreased conidial germination rates and markedly reduced tolerance following UV-B irradiation and heat-shock treatments, alongside increased sensitivity to the cell wall perturbant calcofluor white (CFW). RNA-seq analysis during this conidiation shift identified 88 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), with functional annotation implicating their predominant association with hyphal development, cell wall biogenesis, cell cycle progression, and conidiation. In conclusion, MaHMG functions as a critical positive regulator governing both conidiation and stress tolerance in M. acridum, underscoring its fundamental role in fungal biology and potential as a target for enhancing biocontrol agent performance. Full article

Background/Objectives: Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a common condition that significantly impacts quality of life. Research has focused largely on older women, while experiences of younger women remain relatively underexplored despite challenges unique to this population. Informed by the biopsychosocial model of illness, this study aims to assess the symptom burden, treatment goals, and information needs of younger women complaining of prolapse by analyzing questionnaire responses from an existing electronic Personal Assessment Questionnaire—Pelvic Floor (ePAQ-PF) dataset. Methods: Mixed-methods content analysis was conducted using free-text data from an anonymized multi-site ePAQ-PF dataset of 5717 responses collected across eight UK NHS trusts (2018–2022). A quantitative, deductive approach was first used to identify younger women (≤50 years old) with self-reported prolapse. ePAQ-PF scores for younger women with prolapse were compared with those aged >50 years, using Mann–Whitney tests. Free-text response data were analyzed inductively to qualitatively explore younger women’s symptom burden, treatment goals, and information needs. Results: Of the 1473 women with prolapse identified, 399 were aged ≤50 years. ePAQ-PF scores of the younger cohort demonstrated significantly greater symptom severity and bother than those aged >50, particularly in bowel, prolapse, vaginal, body image, and sexual health domains (p < adjusted threshold). Qualitative analysis undertaken to understand women’s concerns and priorities produced five health-related themes (physical health; functionality; psychosocial and emotional wellbeing; reproductive and sexual health; and healthcare journeys) and a sixth intersecting theme representing information needs. Conclusions: The findings highlight the substantial symptom burden of younger women with prolapse, as well as treatment goals and information needs specific to this population. The development of age-specific resources is identified as a requirement to support this group. Full article

Sexual dysfunction is a prevalent and often under-addressed concern among prostate cancer survivors, significantly affecting quality of life for patients and their partners. The True North Sexual Health and Rehabilitation eClinic (SHAReClinic) is a virtual, biopsychosocial intervention developed to improve access to sexual health support for prostate cancer survivors and their partners. This study used a qualitative descriptive design to examine barriers and facilitators influencing the integration of SHAReClinic into oncology care across nine Canadian health care centres. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 knowledge users, including health care providers and institutional leaders. Data were analyzed using a hybrid deductive–inductive thematic approach guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) 2.0. Participants described SHAReClinic as a much-needed resource, particularly in the absence of standardized sexual health pathways in oncology care. The virtual format was seen as accessible and well suited to addressing sensitive topics. However, limited funding, lack of institutional support, and workflow integration challenges emerged as primary barriers to implementation. Findings offer practical, theory-informed guidance for integrating SHAReClinic into oncology care and highlight key considerations for developing sustainable and scalable survivorship care models. Full article

Polyploidy plays a significant role in loquat breeding, particularly in triploid breeding for seedless fruit production. Currently, loquat polyploid breeding primarily relies on natural seedling selection and sexual hybridization approaches. In this study, unfertilized ovules from four loquat varieties were in vitro cultured. Gynogenesis and embryoid regeneration were achieved in ‘Xingning 1’ and ‘Huabai 1’, with ‘Xingning 1’ demonstrating the highest gynogenesis efficiency (21.63%). Flow cytometry and chromosome counting revealed that the obtained embryoid lines included haploid, diploid, tetraploid, hexaploid, and chimeric ploidy types. Further characterization of ‘Xingning 1’-derived embryoid lines through SSR markers and whole-genome resequencing confirmed that the haploid, diploid, tetraploid, and hexaploidy embryoid originated from haploid–somatic chimeras, diploid, doubled diploid and tripled diploid, respectively. Metabolic analysis showed a positive correlation between ploidy level and the content of both soluble sugars and organic acids. This study explored a novel platform for polyploid induction in loquat and may provide methodological insights for improvement of other perennial fruit trees. Full article

Measures of sexual orientation and family functioning are widely used among sexual minority populations. However, data on whether these measures are culturally syntonic and responsive to the needs of a particular population, such as Hispanic sexual minority youth (HSMY), are lacking. Therefore, this study assessed whether HSMY understand measures of sexual orientation and family functioning as intended. Authors conducted individual interviews with five HSMY to evaluate the face validity of a measure of sexual orientation (i.e., Klein Sexual Orientation Grid) and measures of family functioning (i.e., Parent–Adolescent Communication Scale, Parenting Practices Scale, Parental Monitoring of Peers). Data were analyzed using a general inductive approach. For the sexual orientation measure, five themes were identified related to the: (1) clarity of questions, (2) challenging nature of questions, (3) difficulty of responses, (4) suggestions to improve response options, and (5) need for questions to include gender identity. For family functioning, three themes were identified: (1) relevance of the measures to sexual minority youth, (2) the importance of understanding family history and cultural context, and (3) capturing the context of how sexual minority status and disclosure impact family functioning. HSMY had generally positive feedback regarding these measures; however, they also suggested specific changes associated with wording and specificity of the measures to make them more relevant to HSMY’s unique needs. Full article

Background: Herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) is the primary cause of sexually transmitted genital ulcerative diseases, for which no effective prophylactic vaccine is currently available. However, the identification of appropriate targets for an HSV-2 mRNA vaccine remains an area requiring further investigation. Methods: The immunogenicity and protective effects of an HSV-2 UL41 mRNA vaccine were evaluated in a BALB/c mouse model. The mice were intramuscularly immunized twice, followed by HSV-2 infection at 28 days post boost. Clinical signs were monitored daily, and the viral load and tissue inflammation were assessed on days 1, 4, and 7 post infection. Dendritic cell (DC) activation in spleen tissue was analyzed via transcriptome sequencing. Results: A comparison of the clinical, immunological, and pathological characteristics of the groups that were immunized with the UL41 mRNA vaccine and then infected with HSV2, along with the control groups, revealed that the vaccine elicited both cellular and humoral immunity, inhibited viral replication, suppressed the inflammatory response, and provided protective effects against the virus in vivo. Furthermore, in vitro assays of DC expansion revealed that the vaccine immunization increased the induction of DCs from splenic cells. Transcriptomic analysis of these DCs revealed the activation of immune signaling pathways. Conclusions: Our study suggests that the UL41 mRNA vaccine may provide effective protection against HSV-2-related diseases and holds promise as a potential mRNA vaccine candidate. Full article

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of different anesthetic protocols for semen collection from healthy tomcats using Urethral Catheterization after Pharmacological Induction (UrCaPI). Twenty sexually mature tomcats (Felis catus) were included in the study, in which high and low dosages of medetomidine or dexmedetomidine were administrated to collect semen. Ten healthy mature tomcats (Group A) received high dosages of the drugs, and, in particular, five of them were i.m. injected with 120 μg/kg of medetomidine (HMED) on day 1 and with 60 μg/kg of dexmedetomidine (HDEX) after 24 h (day 2). The remaining five tomcats of this group were i.m. injected with 60 μg/kg of dexmedetomidine on day 1 and with 120 μg/kg of medetomidine on day 2. The other ten healthy mature tomcats (Group B) received a low dosage of the same drugs; the first five tomcats were i.m. injected with 50 μg/kg of medetomidine (LMED) on day 1 and with 25 μg/kg of dexmedetomidine (LDEX) on day 2; the others were i.m. injected with 25 μg/kg of dexmedetomidine on day 1 and with 50 μg/kg of medetomidine after 24 h. In both groups, semen collection was performed as soon as the pharmacological effect of the drug was reached. All protocols permitted sperm collection, even if with different results in quality for volume, concentration, total number of spermatozoa, and movement score. Results suggest that both a high dosage of medetomidine and a high dosage of dexmedetomidine could be used for the collection of good-quality semen. Semen volume μL: HMED = 32 μL (25.75–37.5), HDEX = 23 μL (15.25–28). Concentration HMED = 670 × 10⁶/mL (576–990.5), HDEX = 670.5 × 10⁶/mL (536–790). Total number of spermatozoa = 23.24 × 10⁶ (18.37–32.05). Total number of spermatozoa = 13.121 × 10⁶ (10.116–16.83). However, the protocol with dexmedetomidine could not always guarantee an adequate sedation for urethral catheterization, so using a high dosage of medetomidine is still the better way to collect high quality semen with the UrCaPI technique. The outcome of the LMED and LDEX protocols was generally unsatisfactory regarding both level of sedation and semen collection in terms of volume (LMED = 3 μL (4–7.5); LDEX = 6 μL (4–7)), concentration (LMED = 215 × 10⁶/mL (157–248); LDEX = 27.05 × 10⁶/mL (0.040–110), total number of spermatozoa (LMED = 0.88 × 10⁶ (0.581–1.38); LDEX = 0.16 × 10⁶ (0.0001–0.80), and movement score (LMED = 3 (2–3); LDEX = 2 (0–2.75)). Full article

Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) is a globally widespread pathogen that causes acute hepatitis infection. Beyond hepatic pathogenesis, HEV has been proven to cause several extrahepatic manifestations, such as neurological, renal, and hematological manifestations. It was also associated with mortality in pregnant females. Several studies have investigated the impact of HEV on the male reproductive system; however, the available data are limited and conflicting. Assessment of the patients’ ejaculates/semen samples revealed that HEV particles are excreted in these fluids in cases of chronic infection but not acute infection. The excreted HEV particles are infectious to in vivo animal models and in vitro cell culture. However, the effect of HEV infection on male infertility is not confirmed. One study including human samples showed male infertility associated with HEV genotype 4 infection. Studies of HEV infection in animal models such as pigs, gerbils, and mice showed that HEV infection caused distortion on the testes, damage of the blood–testis barrier, and induction of inflammatory responses leading to abnormalities in the sperm. The excretion of HEV in the semen fluids raises concerns about HEV transmission via sexual transmission. However, all available data do not confirm the transmission of HEV through sexual intercourse. This review aims to summarize and critically assess the available studies investigating the influence of different HEV genotypes on the male reproductive system, providing insights into whether HEV contributes to reproductive impairment in men. Full article

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection and plays a significant role in cervical, penile, anal, vaginal, vulvar, and oropharyngeal cancers as well as non-cancerous genital warts and genital dysplasia. In the United States, there are approximately 46,000 new HPV-related cancers a year. There is an effective vaccine to prevent over 90% of these cancers and other HPV-related diseases; however, those that are aged 18–26 have the lowest vaccine rates among eligible age groups. The objective of this study was to examine student knowledge and perceptions about HPV vaccine hesitancy in university students and their notions of barriers and facilitators for HPV vaccine uptake. We aimed to identify components for an evidence-based community-oriented educational intervention to increase HPV vaccination uptake. The researchers recorded 10 focus groups featuring students from a Northeastern United States university, aged 18–26, which were analyzed using grounded theory and inductive thematic analysis to identify recurring themes. The participants mentioned many barriers and facilitators for attaining the HPV vaccine, with health literacy being prominent for both. They demonstrated some knowledge of what HPV is and ways to avoid it. They also expressed a desire for further information and felt that the way in which this information is presented to the public is vital for increasing vaccine uptake and designing future interventions. In order to increase HPV vaccination rates in the general population and overcome barriers such as family, religious, and cultural values, it is important to emphasize the link between HPV and cancer and its preventative benefits. Full article

The aim of this study was to build on the work already conducted in optimising lumpfish broodstock temperature, photoperiod and nutrition by providing vital information on the stress relationship between mucosal barrier functions and the sexual development of lumpfish broodstock. From a population of approx. 300 fish of 1587 g (SEM ± 704 g), a sub-population of 20 fish was injected with 30 mg/kg fish cortisol implants on 5 January 2018. The control group was not treated with implants. The stress-induced cortisol implant group showed elevated plasma cortisol over a period of approximately one month. Analyses of mucus cell area and density suggested that induced stress could produce a positive functional response (stimulus) in lumpfish early in the experiment through a gentle increase in the barrier strength of the skin, reduced mucus cell size and increased density of mucous cells, resulting in a strengthening of the respiratory capacity of the gills. Mucous cell density and calculated barrier strength in the skin were significantly negatively correlated with plasma cortisol, while in the gill filaments of females, there was a significant negative correlation between mucous cell density and oestrogen levels. The reduced density of “empty” cells (Q cells) after stress induction indicates that these cells are important for the maintenance of homeostasis (physiological equilibrium). The fish in this experiment were considered more robust compared to previous analyses on smaller lumpfish. Full article

Obstetric fistula is a childbirth complication causing abnormal openings between the urinary, bowel, and genital tracts, leading to involuntary leakage and potential long-term disability. Even after surgical repair, women continue to face psychological and social challenges that affect their social inclusion and participation. This study explored family and service provider perspectives on current support systems and identified gaps affecting women’s inclusion and participation post-fistula surgery. Building on a prior study of women who underwent obstetric fistula surgical repair, we qualitatively examined available formal and informal post-surgical supports in Ethiopia. We conducted 20 interviews with family members and service providers and analyzed them using Charmaz’s grounded theory inductive analysis approach. We identified four themes that indicated the available formal support in fistula care, the impact of formal support on women’s social participation and inclusion, the gaps in formal support systems, and post-surgery informal supports and their challenges. Both groups believed support needs for women after surgery remain unmet, highlighting the need to strengthen holistic support services to improve women’s social inclusion and participation. This study contributes to limited research on formal and informal support for women, emphasizing the need for enhanced economic, psychological, and sexual health-related support post-obstetric fistula surgery. Full article