Search Results (194)

Background: Male infertility, largely driven by declining sperm quality, is a growing global concern. Radix Bupleuri Chinensis (Chaihu, CH)—a key component of traditional formulas such as Chaihu Shengjing Tang and Chaihu Shugan San—has been clinically used to enhance sperm quality. However, the specific role and mechanism of CH as a single entity in ameliorating spermatogenic dysfunction remain unclear. This study aimed to determine whether CH extract ameliorates spermatogenic dysfunction and whether GnRH/GnRHR signaling and taurine biosynthesis are involved. Methods: Male Kunming (KM) mice and GC-1 spermatogonial cells were used to establish experimental models. Histopathological and cellular changes were examined via hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and immunofluorescence. Enzyme and hormone levels were quantified, while gene and protein expression were analyzed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, and high-content imaging. Results: CH extract mitigated DOX-induced spermatogenic dysfunction by activating the GnRHR signaling pathway, enhancing taurine biosynthesis, and reducing oxidative stress. In vitro, saikosaponin D alleviated DOX-induced injury in GC-1 cells and was associated with changes in GnRHR-related signaling and taurine-biosynthesis-related proteins, supporting its potential role as a candidate bioactive constituent of CH. Conclusions: CH extract alleviated DOX-induced spermatogenic impairment in mice. The in vivo cetrorelix experiments support the involvement of the GnRHR signaling pathway, whereas the concurrent changes in taurine, CDO1, and FMO1 are consistent with enhanced taurine biosynthesis. These findings provide experimental support for further investigation of CH as a potential intervention for chemotherapy-related reproductive injury. Full article

Early childhood is a critical period for gender-role development, and picture books are one of the important mediums through which children encounter social expectations about gender. However, limited research has compared gender roles in Chinese-authored and non-Chinese-authored picture books. This study conducted a content analysis of 148 picture books selected from lists recommended by the Ministry of Education of China, award-winning Chinese-authored picture books, and the iRead Early Childhood Reading Catalog. Gender roles were examined across cover characters, protagonists, physical appearance, activities, social identity, and behavioral characteristics. Both groups displayed gender stereotypes to varying degrees. Male characters appeared more frequently on covers and as protagonists, and the difference between the two groups were not statistically significant. Regarding behavioral characteristics, male characters were significantly overrepresented in exploratory action in both book categories. No behavioral category in either book type showed a significant overrepresentation of female characters. Despite some efforts to challenge conventional portrayals, both groups largely reflected traditional gender frameworks and binary understandings of gender. These findings highlight the need for picture book authors, parents, and educators to critically examine gender roles in children’s literature and to provide children with more diverse and equitable models of gender development. Full article

Wild edible plants play a crucial role in supporting rural livelihoods, yet knowledge about their use remains under documented, particularly among younger generations and across gender lines. This study examined the distribution of ethnobotanical knowledge of wild edible plants across age and gender groups in four municipalities of the Vhembe District, South Africa. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews conducted with 160 participants, primarily in the Venda region. Gendered patterns emerged, where women were more familiar with wild vegetables, while men demonstrated greater knowledge of wild fruits. Promisingly, some female youth demonstrated greater knowledge than older women and male participants. Voucher specimens of the cited plants were verified at the University of Venda Herbarium, and data were analysed using qualitative methods and generalised linear models. Results of this study suggest the need to document and conserve Indigenous knowledge, promote intergenerational knowledge transfer, and empower women and youth in traditional food systems to enhance food security and cultural heritage. The study further provides a foundation for future research on knowledge transmission pathways and supports the development of targeted, community-based conservation and educational initiatives to enhance food security and cultural heritage. Full article

Meat flavor significantly influences consumer preference and market value, particularly for indigenous pig breeds renowned for distinctive sensory characteristics. While traditional research has focused on genetic factors and feeding regimens, emerging evidence suggests that gut microbiota plays a crucial role in meat quality attributes. However, the specific contribution of bacterial–fungal co-occurrence to meat flavor formation remains largely unexplored. This study aimed to characterize the associations between intestinal bacterial–fungal co-occurrence networks and the muscle flavor-related metabolite profiles of CX pigs, using an integrated multi-omics approach. Twenty male pigs (10 CX and 10 LAN, 12 months old) were subjected to comprehensive analyses, including meat quality evaluation, electronic nose analysis, 16S and 18S rRNA sequencing, and untargeted metabolomics. CX pigs exhibited significantly superior meat quality characteristics, including higher moisture content (p < 0.001), fat content (p = 0.008), and meat color scores (p < 0.001). Electronic nose analysis revealed significantly higher response values across all ten aroma sensors in CX pigs (p < 0.001), with the most pronounced differences observed in sensors detecting sulfur compounds and organic compounds. Untargeted metabolomics identified 40 differential metabolites, with 27 up-regulated in CX pigs, including key flavor compounds such as glycocholic acid, isorhamnetin, and pantothenic acid. Microbiome analysis demonstrated significantly higher bacterial alpha diversity in CX pigs (p < 0.05), with enrichment of beneficial bacteria, including Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group, Prevotellaceae_UCG_003, and Phascolarctobacterium, while fungal communities showed enrichment of Candida_Lodderomyces_clade. Correlation network analysis revealed that Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group demonstrated strong positive correlations with flavor compounds (r = 0.575 for isorhamnetin, r = 0.535 for pantothenic acid, p < 0.001) and all electronic nose responses (r = 0.434–0.691, p < 0.001). Bacterial–fungal co-occurrence networks showed synergistic relationships, with Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group positively correlated with Candida_Lodderomyces_clade (r = 0.711, p < 0.001) while exhibiting antagonistic relationships with Piromyces (r = −0.714, p < 0.001). These findings offer novel insights for developing microbiome-targeted strategies to enhance meat quality in pig production systems. Full article

Purpose: This study introduces a robust approach for establishing reference intervals (RIs) for thyroid biomarkers in the Jordanian population by incorporating symptoms-based criteria into the control group selection. This method enhances the traditional inclusion–exclusion criteria by adding a symptom layer. Five thyroid biomarkers were analyzed: thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4), thyroid receptor antibodies (TRAbs), and antithyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAb). The study also investigated the prevalence of thyroid disorders using the established population-specific RIs. Patients and Methods: Samples from 6782 participants across different regions were collected between June 2016 and May 2017. The Kruskal–Wallis and the Mann–Whitney tests identified the best partitioning based on age–gender significant differences, and 2.5th–97.5th percentiles were used to establish the RIs. Results: The TSH, FT4, and FT3 differed significantly among males and females, while no significant differences were found among different age groups. The RIs for males were as follows: TSH, 0.50–4.18 mIU/L; FT4, 12.00–21.16 pmol/L; and FT3, 2.28–4.17 pmol/L, while the corresponding RIs for females were as follows: TSH, 0.57–4.61 mIU/L; FT4, 12.02–24.69 pmol/L; and FT3, 2.53–3.71 pmol/L. TRAbs and TPOAb RIs were 0.3–1.89 IU/L and 0.83–23.87 IU/mL, respectively. The prevalence of overt hypothyroidism was 10.63%, subclinical hypothyroidism was 3.53%, overt hyperthyroidism was 0.66%, and subclinical hyperthyroidism was 1.52%. Conclusions: This study emphasizes the role of population-specific RIs in minimizing diagnostic errors. The addition of symptom criteria improved control group identification and RI accuracy. These findings improve the diagnosis of thyroid disorders in Jordan and suggest a reproducible framework for worldwide application. Full article

Gender role beliefs have been found to play a role in healthcare interactions and outcomes, although research is scarce in contexts where gender-diversity trends increasingly challenge enduring traditions, as is currently the case in Romanian society. This study explored reported gender-role beliefs and behavioural patterns among fifty Romanian participants involved in medical training and practice, representing a heterogeneous socio-professional spectrum rather than a uniform academic group (aged 20–52 with different personal circumstances and clinical employment). Written and oral reflections on gender role axioms widely known in Romania were assessed using an interpretative phenomenological approach. Results indicated strong endorsement of traditional beliefs—such as male authority and female domestic responsibility—while participants also reported behaviours and life situations inconsistent with those beliefs, including women serving as primary earners, engaging in advanced studies, and balancing multiple roles, and men in caregiving professions. This apparent belief–practice gap, not recognised as such by participants, suggests limited prior reflection on gender issues and potential tensions between pressure to conform to inherited sociocultural norms and evolving personal and professional realities. These findings raise questions regarding possible implications for clinical care, as gender-role assumptions may influence communication, rapport, and preparedness for engaging with gender-diverse patients and peers. They suggest a need for gender-diversity education, reflexivity training, and cultural competence development across undergraduate curricula, continuing education, and workplace training. The key insight of the study is that traditional gender representations can persist unexamined alongside changing behavioural realities, warranting further investigation of their relevance for healthcare education and practice. Full article

Background: Dalbavancin (DBV) is a long-acting lipoglycopeptide with activity against Gram-positive pathogens approved for the treatment of acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSI). Its pharmacological profile supports use in infections requiring prolonged therapy, yet its role in osteomyelitis without implantable devices (OM-WoID) remains off-label. This study aims to describe real-world DBV use in a large tertiary care hospital, focusing on its effectiveness in OM-WoID. Methods: This is a monocentric, retrospective analysis including all patients receiving DBV at ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Italy, from April 2017 to July 2023. The statistical analysis focused on patients who received DBV for either ABSSSI or OM-WoID, with the latter transitioning to DBV after traditional daily intravenous therapy. Clinical, microbiological, and treatment data were extracted from electronic records and stored in REDCap. Effectiveness was defined as infection resolution or improvement; treatment failure encompassed clinical worsening, recurrence or suppressive therapy. Predictors of failure were identified through univariate and stepwise multivariate logistic regression. Results: During the study period, 157 patients (63.0% male; mean age 62.5 ± 20 years) received at least one dose of DBV, predominantly for off-label indications (66.2%). Early discharge was the most common reason for switching to DBV (66.3%). Focusing specifically on patients treated for ABSSSI (53) and OM-WoID (43), treatment success was achieved in 81.1% of ABSSSI and 90.7% of OM-WoID cases. In the stepwise multivariate logistic regression, older age was independently associated with an increased risk of treatment failure (OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.01–1.13; p = 0.028), while the presence of multimorbidity significantly reduced the risk (OR 0.07, 95% CI 0.01–0.77; p = 0.029). Discussion: Our study offers a comprehensive real-world analysis of DBV use in both approved and off-label indications. Although current clinical experience with DBV remains limited, DBV emerges as a valuable step-down option for the management of invasive Gram-positive infections in our setting. Consistent with previous evidence, older age independently increased the risk of treatment failure, whereas multimorbidity appeared protective, likely due to selection bias and the more intensive monitoring, earlier interventions, and tailored management such patients often receive. Our results support a broader range of approved indications for DBV to allow earlier discharge and more efficient use of healthcare resources. Full article

Background/Objectives: Thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) often results from structural degeneration of the aortic wall. Traditional management focuses on hemodynamic control using beta-blockers (BB) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), originally developed for diabetes and weight management, may offer additional vascular protective benefits through anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and matrix-stabilizing mechanisms. However, their role in reducing mortality and thoracic aortic dissection (TAD) risk in patients with TAA has not been evaluated in human populations. In this study, we aimed to assess the association between GLP-1 RA use and the risks of mortality and thoracic aortic dissection. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of adults diagnosed with TAA between 2018 and 2024 across three Mayo Clinic sites. Patients receiving GLP-1 RAs were compared with non-users using 1:1 propensity score matching. Outcomes included all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, and incident TAD. Kaplan–Meier and Cox proportional hazards analyses were performed. Results: A total of 32,279 patients with TAA, with a median age of 68.0 [IQR: 59.0–76.0] and 70.7% male, were included in a 1:1 propensity score match. This yielded a balanced cohort of 588 GLP-1 RA users and 588 non-users. Through a median follow-up of 4.1 (2.2, 5.9) years, GLP-1 RA use was associated with significantly lower 5-year cumulative incidence of all-cause mortality (5.0% vs. 14.5%, HR: 0.31; 95% CI: 0.19–0.50; p < 0.001), cardiovascular mortality (1.9% vs. 5.5%, HR: 0.30; 95% CI: 0.13–0.70; p = 0.005), and TAD (0.9% vs. 4.0%, HR: 0.19; 95% CI: 0.06–0.60; p < 0.0004). Conclusions: GLP-1 RAs are associated with reduced incidence of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, and TAD incidence in patients with TAA. Prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings and evaluate effects on aneurysm progression. Full article

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), comprising ~90% of oral malignancies, remains a major global health burden with rising incidence despite declining tobacco use. While tobacco and alcohol are classic dominant risk factors, a distinct subgroup of nonsmoking, nondrinking (NSND) patients is increasingly recognized, accounting for 15–35% of OSCC cases in many cohorts, particularly in developed countries. This emerging epidemic shows striking demographic patterns: strong female predominance (often 65–77% of cases), bimodal age distribution with peaks in young adults (<45 years) and elderly individuals (>70 years), and overrepresentation among non-Hispanic White and certain Asian populations. Unlike traditional habit-related OSCC, which favors the floor of the mouth in older males, NSND tumors predominantly arise on the lateral tongue, gingiva, and buccal mucosa. Etiopathogenesis extends far beyond conventional carcinogens and involves multifactorial mechanisms, including chronic mechanical irritation from dental factors, oral microbiome dysbiosis enriched with periodontal pathogens (e.g., Fusobacterium nucleatum and Porphyromonas gingivalis), limited roles for viruses (minimal HPV contribution, possible EBV or “hit-and-run” HSV effects), genetic susceptibilities (e.g., Fanconi anemia and CDKN2A mutations), epigenetic changes, hormonal influences contributing to female bias, metabolic conditions (diabetes and hyperlipidemia), poor oral hygiene, and chronic inflammation. NSND OSCC frequently exhibits a distinct immunological profile with higher tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and PD-L1 expression, potentially favoring immunotherapy, though prognosis remains heterogeneous—better in some cohorts due to fewer comorbidities, yet worse in young patients with higher recurrence and second primary tumor risks. Delayed diagnosis is common due to low suspicion in “low-risk” individuals. This review underscores NSND OSCC as a unique entity requiring expanded risk assessment, heightened clinical vigilance for persistent oral lesions regardless of habit history, and targeted research into novel prevention and therapeutic strategies. Full article

While Mongolian university students have been exposed to rapid sociocultural changes, also shifting their sexual norms and substance use behaviors, there is limited empirical evidence on them. Therefore, we examined associations between substance use (smoking, drinking, illicit drug use), sexual behaviors (sexual intercourse, casual and unprotected sex), sexual beliefs, social support, and psychological factors (self-efficacy, optimism, and general well-being). Using a cross-sectional design, we employed self-administered online questionnaires in a sample of Mongolian undergraduate students (N = 396; aged 18–24 years; 49.2% males). More than 62% reported ever drinking, 40.4% ever smoking, 23.0% illicit drug use; 64.9% was the lifetime prevalence of sexual intercourse, 41.2% reported engagement in casual sex, and 29.5% had engaged in unprotected sex. Differences by sex were significant with a higher prevalence among males, except for current illicit drug use and unprotected sex. Substance use was significantly associated with an increased likelihood of having sexual intercourse and participating in casual sex. While higher levels of well-being, self-efficacy, optimism, and social support from family and friends were significantly linked to ever being engaged in sexual intercourse, these positive constructs did not prevent them from risky sexual behaviors. Sex differences in substance use, sexual behaviors, and beliefs support the influence of the prevailing social expectations and traditional gender role perceptions in Mongolia. These findings emphasize the importance of comprehensive health education and supportive psychosocial environments. Full article

Live streaming platforms such as Douyin have become a critical space for e-commerce and social interaction, where nonverbal communication is vital for audience engagement. Despite its importance, the role of gender in shaping these nonverbal strategies remains underexplored. This study addresses this gap by examining 720 min of live-streaming content from 16 male and female streamers on Douyin, employing an enhanced multimodal discourse analysis (MDA) framework. The finding reveals a clear gendered divergence: male streamers predominantly employ macro-gestures to project authority, whereas female streamers prioritize expressive displays to foster relational intimacy. These patterns not only reflect traditional gender norms but also are amplified by Douyin’s algorithmic preference for dynamic visuals and sustained engagement. By integrating gender performativity theory with platform studies, this research proposes the concept of algorithmically mediated performativity, demonstrating how digital infrastructures reinforce gendered behaviors. This study contributes to digital gender studies by offering a novel theoretical framework and practical insights for content creators and platform designers seeking to mitigate algorithmic bias. Full article

Background: Kinkeliba (Combretum micranthum G. Don), commonly used in West African traditional pharmacopeia for its anti-inflammatory and gastrointestinal properties, remains poorly studied regarding its potential role in the prevention or treatment of ulcerative colitis. Objective: This study evaluated the therapeutic potential of the ethanolic extract of Combretum micranthum (EECM) in a murine model of chronic DSS-induced colitis. Methods: Male C57BL/6 mice were subjected to three cycles of 1.5% DSS administration over nine weeks to induce chronic colitis. EECM was administered orally at 50, 100, or 200 mg/kg during the final week. Disease severity was evaluated using the Disease Activity Index (DAI), colon length, biochemical and hematological markers, along with histopathological and immunohistochemical assessment of colonic tissue. Results: EECM treatment significantly improved clinical parameters and prevented colon shortening in chronic DSS-induced colitis. These improvements were associated with the restoration of serum biochemical and hematological profiles, along with reduced histopathological damage and preservation of colonic tissue architecture. Immunohistochemical analysis further demonstrated decreased CD3-positive T-lymphocyte infiltration in colonic tissue, suggesting modulation of local immune cell responses. Conclusions: These findings highlight the therapeutic potential EECM in ulcerative colitis and support further investigations to elucidate its mechanisms of action and evaluate its efficacy in future translational studies. Full article

This study recognizes education as an investment and estimates the private rates of return to upper secondary education in Greece, overall, by type (general or vocational) and by gender. Earnings data were collected through primary research using stratified sampling from the private sector of the economy. The analysis is based on the Mincer method and is complemented by machine learning methods, including Support Vector Regression, Random Forests, and Extreme Gradient Boosting. The empirical analysis shows that investing in upper secondary education (general and vocational) is profitable. The private rates of return in upper general secondary education are higher than those in vocational education, and female graduates exhibit higher returns than male graduates. Machine learning models achieve modest improvements in predictive performance, as reflected in higher adj. R² values and lower prediction errors. However, the estimated rates of return remain broadly consistent with those obtained from the Mincer method. This convergence suggests that the Mincer specification captures the core structural relationship between education and earnings, while machine learning models primarily enhance predictive accuracy without substantially altering the estimated economic returns. This finding highlights the robustness of the traditional econometric framework and clarifies the complementary role of machine learning techniques in empirical labor economics. Full article

Background: Laryngeal cancer (LC), a common subtype of head and neck cancers (HNC), is most frequently represented by laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC). Prognosis largely depends on early detection; however, traditional prognostic tools, including tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) staging, often show limited predictive accuracy. Artificial intelligence (AI), including machine learning (ML), natural language processing, and deep learning (DL), has emerged as a promising approach to improving cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment planning by analyzing clinical data and medical imaging. Objective: This systematic review assesses the role of AI in prognosis, recurrence prediction, and treatment outcomes in LC. Methods: PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, IEEE Xplore, and ScienceDirect were searched up to January 2025. A total of 1062 records were identified; after title/abstract screening and full-text assessment, 29 studies were included. Eligible studies involved adult patients with LC and applied AI to diagnose, prognose, predict recurrence, or assess treatment outcomes using human datasets. Study quality and risk of bias were evaluated using the QUADAS-2 and QUIPS. Results: The 29 included studies were mostly retrospective, with sample sizes ranging from 10 to 63,000 patients. Most focused on LSCC, with a higher prevalence in males. The studies utilized various AI techniques, including deep learning models such as convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and DeepSurv, as well as ML algorithms like random survival forest, gradient boosting machines, random forest, k-nearest neighbors, naïve Bayes, and decision trees. AI models demonstrated strong prognostic performance, surpassing Cox regression and TNM staging in predicting survival and recurrence. Several studies reported outcomes related to treatment, such as chemotherapy response, occult lymph node metastasis, and the need for salvage surgery. Methodological quality varied, with biases related to patient selection and confounding factors. Conclusions: AI has the potential to improve prognosis estimation, recurrence prediction, and treatment outcome assessment in LC. However, although AI can be a helpful addition to clinical decision-making, more prospective studies, external validation, and standardized evaluation are necessary before these technologies can be confidently adopted in everyday clinical practice. Full article

Background: Incorporating sex as a biological variable (SBV) is recognized as essential for improving the reliability, reproducibility, and generalizability of pharmacological research. This principle is codified in international policies and guidelines, yet implementation remains uneven, especially in phytomedicine. Phytomedicines are a major component of healthcare worldwide, with 65% of the global population relying on them in both regulated and traditional contexts. Globally, phytomedicines are used by males, females, intersex and non-cis gender persons, all of whom may present specific safety and efficacy considerations and warrant full inclusion in pre-clinical to clinical research pipelines. However, in contemporary settings, phytomedicine lags in SBV best practices relative to Western allopathic standards for research design. Methods: We conducted a non-systematic review and in silico data mining to quantify sex/gender representation in recent preclinical and clinical phytomedicine studies, complemented by targeted case studies of sexually dimorphic safety/efficacy. We also summarize the historical role of women and gender-diverse people as users and providers within Traditional and Integrative Medical Systems (TIMSs). Results: Across rodent and human studies, females are under-represented relative to males, and sex is rarely reported for cell lines. Intentional inclusion of intersex and other gender-diverse populations is largely absent. Case studies illustrate plausible sex-associated differences in pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and adverse event profiles. TIMSs historically address women’s health needs and include substantial participation by female practitioners; however, contemporary SBV practices remain less standardized than in Western allopathic pipelines. Conclusions: SBV integration in phytomedicine is needed to strengthen safety, efficacy, and regulatory-grade evidence. Practical barriers include legacy datasets without sex metadata, limited intersex animal models, and uneven resources across settings. We outline feasible, stepwise practices to improve SBV adoption in a manner compatible with TIMS contexts and recommend expanding current guidelines to better support diverse research environments while maintaining scientific rigor. Full article