Generation of mitochondrial replacement monkeys by female pronucleus transfer

Mutations in mitochondrial DNA(mtDNA)are maternally inherited and have the potential to cause severe disorders.Mitochondrial replacement therapies,including spindle,polar body,and pronuclear transfers,are promising strategies for preventing the hereditary transmission of mtDNA diseases.While pronuclear transfer has been used to generate mitochondrial replacement mouse models and human embryos,its application in non-human primates has not been previously reported.In this study,we successfully generated four healthy cynomolgus monkeys(Macaca fascicularis)via female pronuclear transfer.These individuals all survived for more than two years and exhibited minimal mtDNA carryover(3.8%–6.7%),as well as relatively stable mtDNA heteroplasmy dynamics during development.The successful establishment of this nonhuman primate model highlights the considerable potential of pronuclear transfer in reducing the risk of inherited mtDNA diseases and provides a valuable preclinical research model for advancing mitochondrial replacement therapies in humans.

Gut microbiota and female health

The gut microbiota is recognized as an endocrine organ with the capacity to influence distant organs and associated biological pathways.Recent advan-cements underscore the critical role of gut microbial homeostasis in female health;with dysbiosis potentially leading to diseases among women such as polycystic ovarian syndrome,endometriosis,breast cancer,cervical cancer,and ovarian cancer etc.Despite this,there has been limited discussion on the underlying mechanisms.This editorial explores the three potential mechanisms through which gut microbiota dysbiosis may impact the development of diseases among women,namely,the immune system,the gut microbiota-estrogen axis,and the metabolite pathway.We focused on approaches for treating diseases in women by addressing gut microbiota imbalances through probiotics,prebiotics supple-mentation,and fecal microbiota transplantation(FMT).Future studies should focus on determining the molecular mechanisms underlying associations between dysbiosis of gut microbiota and female diseases to realize precision medicine,with FMT emerging as a promising intervention.

Single-incision laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal repair in the treatment of adult female patients with inguinal hernia

BACKGROUND Women have a 3%lifetime chance of developing an inguinal hernia,which is not as common in men.Due to its cosmetic benefits,single-incision laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal(SIL-TAPP)inguinal hernia repair is becoming in-creasingly popular in the management of inguinal hernia in women.However,there are no studies comparing the safety and applicability of SIL-TAPP repair with conventional laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal(CL-TAPP)inguinal hernia repair for the treatment of inguinal hernia in women.AIM To compare the outcomes of SIL-TAPP and CL-TAPP repair in adult female patients with inguinal hernia and to estimate the safety and applicability of SIL-TAPP repair in adult female inguinal hernia patients.METHODS We retrospectively compared the clinical information and follow-up data of fe-male inguinal hernia patients who underwent SIL-TAPP inguinal hernia repair and those who underwent CL-TAPP inguinal hernia repair at the Affiliated Hos-pital of Nantong University from February 2018 to December 2020 and assessed the long-term and short-term outcomes of both cohorts.RESULTS This study included 123 patients,with 71 undergoing SIL-TAPP repair and 52 un-dergoing CL-TAPP repair.The two cohorts of patients and inguinal hernia charac-teristics were similar,with no statistically meaningful difference.The rate of intraoperative inferior epigastric vessel injury was lower in patients in the SIL-TAPP cohort(0,0%)than in patients in the CL-TAPP cohort(4,7.7%)and was significantly different(P<0.05).In addition,the median[interquartile range(IQR)]total hospitalization costs were significantly lower in patients in the SIL-TAPP cohort[$3287(3218-3325)]than in patients in the CL-TAPP cohort[$3511(3491-3599)].Postoperatively,the occurrence rate of trocar site hernia was lower in the SIL-TAPP cohort(0,0%)than in the CL-TAPP cohort(4,7.7%),and the median(IQR)cosmetic score was significantly higher in the SIL-TAPP cohort[10(10-10)]than in the CL-TAPP cohort[9(9-10)].CONCLUSION SIL-TAPP repair did not increase the incidence of intraoperative and postoperative complications in female in-guinal hernia patients.Moreover,female inguinal hernia patients who underwent SIL-TAPP repair had a lower probability of trocar site hernia and inferior epigastric vessel injury than female inguinal hernia patients who un-derwent CL-TAPP repair.In addition,female inguinal hernia patients who underwent SIL-TAPP repair reported a more aesthetically pleasing postoperative abdominal incision.Therefore,SIL-TAPP repair is a better option for the treatment of inguinal hernias in women.

Female Warriors in the MCU and Wuxia Films:A Comparative Study

This essay offers a comprehensive comparative analysis of female warriors in the Marvel Cinematic Universe(MCU)and Wuxia films.Both genres portray powerful and empowered female characters who defy societal expectations and embody resilience,effectively challenging gender norms and promoting female empowerment.However,despite their strength,many of these women warriors face certain narrative factors,such as the male gaze and a predetermined fate,which can restrict their agency and curtail their full potential.And it is within the realm of Wuxia films that the captivating element of cross-dressing among female warriors emerges,providing a nuanced exploration of identity and the constraints imposed by society.

Research on Work-Life Balance of Female Employees

Nowadays,the pace of work and life is accelerating rapidly,accompanied by significant changes in work content and family structure.Enterprises and employees are encountering various pressures and conflicts.Female employees,in particular,are experiencing increasing pressure in both social labor and family affairs,resulting in ongoing conflicts between work and life.Achieving a balance between these two domains is crucial for female employees.This article aims to analyze the influencing factors of work-life balance for female employees and to propose useful strategies to help them improve it.

A Study on the Impact of Cheerleading on the Psychological Health of Female College Students

This study investigates the effects of technical cheerleading and dance cheerleading on the psychological health of female college students by utilizing the Symptom Checklist-90(SCL-90),the Comprehensive Diagnostic Scale for Interpersonal Relationships,and the Social Adaptability Diagnostic Scale.The findings indicate the following:(1)Technical cheerleading has a highly significant impact on sensitivity in interpersonal relationships,paranoia,and psychoticism,and a significant effect on anxiety and hostility;dance cheerleading has a highly significant effect on paranoia;(2)Both technical and dance cheerleading have minimal impact on the overall score distribution of interpersonal relationships among female college students,but the dimensions of their effects differ;(3)The impact of technical cheerleading on the social adaptability of female college students is more pronounced than that of dance cheerleading.

The proposed role of MSL-lncRNAs in causing sex lability of female poplars

Labile sex expression is frequently observed in dioecious plants,but the underlying genetic mechanism remains largely unknown.Sex plasticity is also observed in many Populus species.Here we carried out a systematic study on a maleness-promoting gene,MSL,detected in the Populus deltoides genome.Our results showed that both strands of MSL contained multiple cis-activating elements,which generated long non-coding RNAs(lncRNAs)promoting maleness.Although female P.deltoides did not have the male-specific MSL gene,a large number of partial sequences with high sequence similarity to this gene were detected in the female poplar genome.Based on sequence alignment,the MSL sequence could be divided into three partial sequences,and heterologous expression of these partial sequences in Arabidopsis confirmed that they could promote maleness.Since activation of the MSL sequences can only result in female sex lability,we propose that MSL-lncRNAs might play a role in causing sex lability of female poplars.

Where is the optimal plane to mobilize the anterior rectal wall in female patients undergoing total mesorectal excision?

BACKGROUND Since Heald proposed the total mesorectal excision(TME)procedure,the prognosis of patients with rectal cancer has been significantly improved.But Heald did not specifically describe the anterior surgical plane in female patients.And the surgical plane for mobilizing the anterior rectal wall during TME surgery in female patients remains controversial.AIM To investigate the anatomy of the female pelvis and identify the optimal plane for mobilizing the anterior rectal wall.METHODS We retrospectively collected surgical procedure videos and clinical data of female patients diagnosed with middle or low rectal cancer who underwent the TME procedure between January 2020 and October 2022 across six hospitals.The patients were divided into two groups based on the surgical approach used to mobilize the anterior rectal wall:The experimental group was to open the peritoneum at the lowest point of the peritonea reflection and enter the plane for mobilizing,while the control group was cut at 0.5-1 cm above the peritoneal reflection and enter another plan.Then,we compared the preoperative and postoperative information between the two groups.We also dissected and observed ten adult female pelvises to analyze the anatomic structure and compare the entry plane between the two approaches.Finally,we researched the pathological structure between the rectum and the vagina.RESULTS Finally,77 cases that met the criteria were included in our study.Our observations revealed that the experimental group underwent a smooth procedure,entering the plane amidst the mesorectal fascia and adventitia of the vagina,whereas the control group entered the plane between the vaginal adventitia and muscle layers.Compared to the control group,the experimental group showed a significant decrease in intraoperative bleeding[22.5(19.5-50)mL vs 17(5-20)mL,P=0.01],as well as a shorter duration of hospitalization[9(7-11.25)d vs 7(6-10)d,P=0.03].Through the examination of surgical videos and cadaveric studies,we discovered that Denonvilliers'fascia is absent in females.Additionally,pathological sections further revealed the absence of Denonvilliers'fascia in females,with only loose connective tissue present between the mesorectal fascia and adventitia of the vagina.CONCLUSION The plane amidst the mesorectal fascia and vaginal adventitia is the optimal surgical plane to mobilize the anterior rectal wall for female patients undergoing the TME procedure.

Fragile X Messenger Ribonucleoprotein 1(FMR1), a novel inhibitor of osteoblast/osteocyte differentiation, regulates bone formation, mass, and strength in young and aged male and female mice

Fragile X Messenger Ribonucleoprotein 1(FMR1)gene mutations lead to fragile X syndrome,cognitive disorders,and,in some individuals,scoliosis and craniofacial abnormalities.Four-month-old(mo)male mice with deletion of the FMR1 gene exhibit a mild increase in cortical and cancellous femoral bone mass.However,consequences of absence of FMR1 in bone of young/aged male/female mice and the cellular basis of the skeletal phenotype remain unknown.We found that absence of FMR1 results in improved bone properties with higher bone mineral density in both sexes and in 2-and 9-mo mice.The cancellous bone mass is higher only in females,whereas,cortical bone mass is higher in 2-and 9-mo males,but higher in 2-and lower in 9-mo female FMR1-knockout mice.Furthermore,male bones show higher biomechanical properties at 2mo,and females at both ages.Absence of FMR1 increases osteoblast/mineralization/bone formation and osteocyte dendricity/gene expression in vivo/ex vivo/in vitro,without affecting osteoclasts in vivo/ex vivo.Thus,FMR1 is a novel osteoblast/osteocyte differentiation inhibitor,and its absence leads to age-,site-and sex-dependent higher bone mass/strength.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography management for choledochocele in a young female

To the Editor:Choledochocele,also known as type III choledochal cysts in the classification by Todani et al.[1],is a congenital abnormality of the biliary system.It is characterized by a cystic dilation of intramural segment of the distal common bile duct(CBD)protruding into the descending duodenum.Choledochocele makes up about 0.5%−4%of choledochal cysts[1,2].Compared with other subtypes,the incidence of choledochocele is extremely low and it frequently presents in adults at a relatively older age,with an average age of 51 years[3].The diagnosis and treatment are challenging.Here,we present a case of a young female patient with this rare disease entity,who recovered after effective endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP)management.

ECG and Echocardiographic Findings of Female Hypertension (fHTN) in the Cardiology Department of the University Hospital Gabriel Touré (UH-GT)

Introduction: In our setting there is a lack of publications on female hypertension in general population motivating this study to look for electro- and echocardiographic findings of female hypertension. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study during 6 months in the cardiology department of the UH-GT including 324 female patients aged 18 and more seen in the outpatient unit and by whom the diagnosis of hypertension was set. All patients consented to be study participants after receiving clearly information about the study and that care giving will not be affected by their eventual refusal. Data collection has been done with all needed confidentiality rules. A survey formular was used to collect data in order to record them in an Access database. Analysis was done using IBM SPSS software. Quantitative data are presented as mean with standard deviation and qualitative as proportion. Level of significance for statistic test was set at 5%. Results: During the study time 324 among 524 hypertensive patients visited our outpatient unit giving a prevalence of fHTN of 61.8%. The means for age, body mass index (BMI) in female hypertensive patients were respectively 52 ± 14.461 years and 27.35 ± 06.585 Kg/m2. Main ECG findings were left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and sinus tachycardia with respectively 93.6% and 46.4% followed by isolated ventricular extrasystole with 33.7%. Echocardiography findings included LVH, relative wall thickness (RWT) and reduced ejection fraction (EF) in respectively 41.05%, 37.35% and 21.91%. The left ventricular mass (LV) mass and geometry were abnormal in 44.4% and 37.3%. Remodeling as geometry modification (18.2%) and mitral flow Type 2 (90.4%) have been the most abnormal findings. Conclusion: Hypertension induced modifications mainly LVH in ECG and Echocardiography in female patients less than encountered among male hypertensive patients.

The Prevalence of Female Genital Bilharziasis (FGB) in the Northern Region of Senegal

Introduction: Female Genital Bilharzia (FGB) is a pathology secondary to infection by Schistosoma haematobium. It is one of the neglected tropical diseases, capable of causing infertility, difficulties in childbirth and even cervical cancer. It represents a real public health problem. We therefore conducted a study in the maternity ward of the Saint-Louis regional hospital, with the overall aim of determining the prevalence of FBG in patients undergoing colposcopy. The specific objectives were to define the patient profile, and to compare colposcopic images with the World Health Organization (WHO) atlas. Methodology: We conducted a descriptive, analytical cross-sectional study of all colposcopic images taken at the maternity ward of the Saint-Louis regional hospital from August 1, 2018, to September 30, 2020, i.e. 25 months. The images were compared with the BGF images described in the WHO atlas. Results: We collected 178 colposcopy images. FBG images numbered 50, or 28%. The mean age of the patients was 44.5 years ±11.4 at the extremes of 18 and 78 years. Mean gestational age was 4.69 ± 2.72. Among patients with a bilharzian lesion on the cervix, visual acid inspection (VIA) was negative in 60% of cases (p = 0.007, Odd Ratio = 3.6 (1.49 - 9.07)). Conclusion: the results of our study show that FBG is a reality in our daily practice. It occurs in adult, multigestating, non-occupational women whose examination reveals a negative visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA). Healthcare providers therefore need to be trained in the recognition of lesions associated with genital bilharziasis, and public awareness needs to be raised.

Isolating the female agency‑driven development factor in external sovereign emerging market debt

The underlying literature hypothesises and provides randomised evidence for the positive impact of promoting the broad-based inclusion,empowerment,and representation of women on regional ecosystems.This study seeks to isolate a female agencydriven development factor in external sovereign emerging market debt and finds evidence for superior risk-adjusted returns from tilting towards female agency leaders.We propose the female agency factor as an additional scope in the modern investor’s toolbox of holistic credit assessment,allowing investors to isolate the issuers which are the most effective sovereign transmission mechanisms of sustainable development capital.This contribution to the corpus supports the notion of integrating sustainability factors into portfolio construction and reinforces the argument for supporting femaleled development from a financial markets’perspective.

Female anterior wall onlay urethroplasty with lower lip buccal mucosal graft: Importance of the laterally extended incision

Objective:To describe the outcome of female anterior wall(pubic side)onlay urethroplasty with buccal mucosal graft using laterally extended surgical dissection in patients with previously failed minimally invasive techniques.Methods:From January 2016 to April 2018,17 symptomatic patients with previously failed minimally invasive procedures were enrolled in the study.The diagnosis of urethral stricture was confirmed based on a combination of patients’symptoms,post-void residual urine,video-urodynamics,and cystoscopy.Urethroplasty with lower lip mucosal graft was performed using the modified laterally extended dissection.Patients were evaluated pre-operatively and 12-month post-operatively with the American Urological Association symptom score,post-void residual urine,and maximum flow rate.Results:Despite the previously failed minimally invasive procedures,urethroplasty with lower lip buccal graft and laterally extended dissection resulted in favorable outcomes(success rateZ94%).The mean
standard deviation of American urological association symptom score improved from pre-operative levels at the 12-month post-operative follow-up(25.82
3.97 to 10.88
5.57);so did postvoid residual urine(71.12
74.98 mL to 15.00
28.30 mL),and maximum flow rate(7.88
1.72 mL/s to 25.82
5.59 mL/s)with all statistically significant(p<0.05).Conclusion:The current study showed that female urethroplasty with buccal graft could be highly successful in experienced hands.An anterior approach could be superior to the posterior one due to higher mechanical support and lower sacculation rate.A laterally extended incision may improve visualization and better graft placement by providing wider working space.The results should be evaluated in the future studies with larger sample size.

Profile of Female Hyperandrogenism at the Medical Clinic II: About 19 Cases

Introduction: Female hyperandrogenism is essentially manifested by hirsutism. It is present in Senegal but not yet elucidated for lack of data. This is why we proposed to study the profile of hyperandrogenism in our context. Patients and Methods: This was an observational, cross-sectional cohort study of 19 patients of reproductive age followed for hyperandrogenism at the Medical Clinic II of Abass Ndao Hospital, from November 1st, 2019 to August 31st, 2021. Results: Our cohort consisted of women with an average age of 25.3 years, single (73.7%), with a low socioeconomic level (42.1%). A family history of hirsutism was found in 31.6% of cases. The main reasons for consultation were a menstrual cycle disorder in 94.7% of cases, and hirsutism in 78.9% of cases. The latter was post-pubertal (66.7%), with a slow or progressive evolution. The physical examination revealed: hirsutism (100%) with an average modified Ferriman Gallwey score (mFG) of 8.9 ± 5.8, acne (36.8%), hyperseborrhea (57.9%), major signs of virilization (10.5%), acanthosis nigricans (47.4%) and galactorrhea (5.3%). Hormonal explorations revealed an elevation of: testosterone (31.6%), 17-hydroxyprogesterone (5.3%), dihydrotestosterone (31.6%), and prolactin (10.5%). The ovarian morphology was micropolycystic (84.2%). The etiological profile corresponded to polycystic ovarian syndrome or PCOS (68.4%), ovarian hyperthecosis (10.5%), hyperprolactinemia (10.5%), congenital adrenal hyperplasia or CAH (5.3%). Idiopathic hirsutism was found in 5.3% of cases. Conclusion: Female hyperandrogenism is a less frequent reason for consultation in endocrinology. It deserves to be further evaluated in a large-scale study focused on epidemiological, clinico-biological and etiological investigation, in order to assess its prevalence and better define its profile in our context.

Small Extracellular Vesicles Secreted by Peri-urethral Tissues Regulate Fibroblast Function and Contribute to the Pathogenesis of Female Stress Urinary Incontinence

Objective:This study aimed to explore the existence of small extracellular vesicles(sEVs)in peri-urethral tissues and the role of abnormal expression of sEVs in the pathogenesis of female stress urinary incontinence(SUI).Methods:sEVs were extracted from peri-urethral vaginal wall tissues using differential centrifugation and were observed by transmission electron microscopy(TEM).The number of sEVs and their protein contents were compared between SUI and control groups using nanoparticle tracking analysis(NTA)and bicinchoninic acid(BCA)protein assay.Fibroblasts were cultured separately with SUI(SsEVs group)and normal tissue sEVs(NsEVs group).Proliferation and migration of fibroblasts were compared between groups using CCK-8 and wound healing assays,respectively.Expression levels of collagenⅠandⅢwere compared among blank control(BC),NsEVs,and SsEVs groups using real-time PCR.Protein mass spectrometry was used to test the differentially expressed proteins contained in sEVs between groups.Results:sEVs were extracted and found under the electron microscope.There were significantly more sEVs extracted from the SUI group compared to the normal group.Fibroblasts showed increased proliferative and decreased migratory abilities,and expressed more collagen in the SsEVs group compared to the NsEVs and BC groups.Protein spectrum analysis demonstrated several differentially expressed targets,including components of microfibrils,elastin polymer,and anti-inflammatory factors.Conclusion:sEVs were detected in the peri-urethral tissues.SUI tissues expressed more sEVs than control.The abnormal expression of sEVs and their protein contents may contribute to the pathogenesis and progression of SUI.

Factors Influencing the Resumption of Postpartum Female Sexuality in Women Who Have Given Birth Once or Several Times at the Ignace Deen Maternity Hospital of the Conakry University Hospital Centre (Guinea)

Introduction: Sexuality in the postpartum period is a taboo subject that raises many questions, especially among women. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of factors such as mode of delivery, parity, type of household and level of education on the resumption of sexuality, by comparing our results with those in the literature. Methods: This is a prospective descriptive and analytical study, which took place from 3 April to 2 June 2023 in the maternity ward of the Ignace Deen National Hospital of the University Hospital Centre of Conakry. The sample included married women who had given birth once or several times. Results: Of 118 married women who had given birth once or several times and who were questioned about their sexuality in the postpartum period, 75.42% (89 cases) stated that they had resumed sexual activity in the postpartum period. (The majority were aged 20 - 29 years (46.61%), pauci pares (51.69%), living in a monogamous household (88.14%), with secondary education (44.92%) and self-employed (38.98%). More than half (58.47%) of these women had a normal vaginal delivery with vulvo-perineal tear (5.80%), episiotomy (15.94%) and instrumental extraction (8.69%). The main reasons for resuming sexual activity were the desire to satisfy their partner (50.56%) and to maintain the harmony of the couple (29.21%). Resumption of sexual activity was more common in patients who had given birth by caesarean section (p = 0.007) and in patients with a higher level of education (p = 0.03). However, it was not influenced by parity or household type. Conclusion: Sexuality remains a taboo subject, and its resurgence in the postpartum period is influenced by the mode of delivery and the level of education and perception of women. Certain practices and complications related to childbirth can also influence the resumption of sexuality in the postpartum period.

Culture, Beliefs, Attitude and Peer Group Influence on Female Genital Mutilation in Southeast Nigeria

Background: Female Genital Mutilation is still practiced in Ebonyi State in Southeast Nigeria, despite the complications that follows it and government legislation against the practice. Aim: To determine the impact of Culture, Beliefs, attitude and Peer Group Influence on the persistence Female Genital Mutilation practice in the State especially in the rural areas. Materials and Methods: Qualitative study that used Focused Group Discussion and In-depth interviews for data collection. Those willing and given consent were recruited into the group discussion according to age, marital status, educational level and their location in the state. In-depth interviews were used with the Stake Holders, Opinion Leaders, Traditional Rulers and the Clergy. Result: A total of 454 participants were recruited from the 13 local government areas of Ebonyi State but only 420 (92.5%) participated. The age ranges of participants were 25 to 35 years for single males and females while the married participants male and female were aged 35 to 70 years. One hundred single females (23.8%) and 94 single males (21.4%) participated while 97 (23.1%) married women and 95 (22.6%) married men participated. Out of the 26 health workers recruited only 22 (5.2%) participated. Four traditional rulers, 4 women leaders, 4 youth leaders and 2 clergy 12 (2.9%) in number had in-depth interviews. All the participants had knowledge of FGM and its practice. Rural health workers are getting more involved. ‘Female Genital Crushing’ is replacing actual cutting. The participants all agreed there is no benefit and the practice should stop. Conclusion: Female Genital Mutilation is secretly practiced and is getting replaced by “Female Genital Crushing” perpetrated by rural health workers as well as mothers, fathers, traditional birth attendants and the peer group playing a major role with low knowledge of the Law against Female genital mutilation.

Place of Selective Tubal Catheterization in the Management of Female Infertility in Togo

Objective: To determine the effectiveness of selective tubal catheterization in the management of female infertility due to proximal tubal obstruction. Method: This was a longitudinal descriptive study, conducted over a period of 24 months, which included 73 patients presenting with objectified bilateral proximal tubal obstruction after standard HSG. The intervention was performed on an outpatient basis, during the follicular phase with negative β-hCG assay the day before, in the interventional radiology room and under antibiotic coverage. Confirmatory hysterosalpingography was performed as the first step followed by selective tubal catheterization after the failure of spontaneous tubal opacification. The parameters studied related to socio-epidemiological, clinical and radiological data. Results: The age of our patients was between 24 and 42 years with an average of 33.97 years. The average duration of infertility was 3.95 years, with a predominance of primary infertility in 83.56% of cases. Voluntary termination of pregnancy (38.89%) and fibromyomas (33.33%) were the most represented gynecological-obstetrical antecedents. Selective tubal catheterization was successful in 92.14% of cases (129/140 tubes). It was possible bilaterally in 93.02% of cases and unilaterally in 6.98% of cases. The confirmatory HSG allowed a spontaneous opacification of 4.10% of the fallopian tubes. At the end of the procedure, all the recanalized tubes were opacified;62.01% of them were normal, against 37.99% pathological with a preponderance of inflammatory tubes 26.61% followed by hydrosalpinx in 5.03% of cases. No major complications were encountered. The fertility rate was 23.29%. Conclusion: Selective tubal catheterization is a simple technique, without major complications with an efficiency close to natural fertility. It should be proposed as the first intention before any other procedure in the treatment of infertility by proximal tubal obstruction.

Female directors in the boardroom and intellectual capital performance:Does the“critical mass”matter?

This research aims to investigate the influence of female directors on Intellectual Capital Performance(ICP)using a sample of manufacturing-listed companies in China.Our study investigates the link between having two or more female directors and the Modified Value-Added Intellectual Coefficient(MVAIC)methodology,employing the critical mass theory from 2004–2017.We find that having a critical mass of female directors(three or more)shows a significant positive impact on MVAIC and its components,including human capital efficiency,structural capital efficiency,relational capital efficiency,and physical capital efficiency,with physical capital being the critical driver.Our study reveals that the critical mass participation of female directors substantially influences the IC efficiency of privately owned companies compared to state-owned companies.Moreover,the number of female directors also affects the IC performance of manufacturing companies in multiple regions.Our findings support the validity of group classification identified by Kanter and Critical Mass Theory.To the best of our knowledge,this is one of the few pieces of research that studies the role of female board directors in IC performance and Chinese manufacturing firms using MVAIC as an IC measure.