Genic male and female sterility in vegetable crops

Vegetable crops are greatly appreciated for their beneficial nutritional and health components.Hybrid seeds are widely used in vegetable crops for advantages such as high yield and improved resistance,which require the participation of male(stamen)and female(pistil)reproductive organs.Male-or female-sterile plants are commonly used for production of hybrid seeds or seedless fruits in vegetables.In this review we will focus on the types of genic male sterility and factors affecting female fertility,summarize typical gene function and research progress related to reproductive organ identity and sporophyte and gametophyte development in vegetable crops[mainly tomato(Solanum lycopersicum)and cucumber(Cucumis sativus)],and discuss the research trends and application perspectives of the sterile trait in vegetable breeding and hybrid production,in order to provide a reference for fertility-related germplasm innovation.

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.

Bone marrow edema in a postpartum female following ankle sprain: a case report

Bone marrow edema(BME)is characterized by an accumulation of interstitial fluid within the bone marrow,the cancellous,hematopoietic compartment within bones.[1]BME is divided into two principal categories:idiopathic or primary BME,with an unknown etiology,and secondary BME,which occurs as a result of an identifiable underlying pathology.[2]Although the prevalence of BME is not limited to specific demographic parameters,it shows a predilection for males or individuals assigned male at birth,predominantly aged between the ages of 30 and 60 years,especially in cases of bone marrow edema syndrome(BMES),a rare idiopathic variant.[3]The etiological spectrum of BME is diverse,including oncological entities(such as acute myeloid leukemia and osteosarcoma),degenerative diseases(such as osteoarthritis),infectious processes(osteomyelitis),ischemic conditions(avascular necrosis),metabolic dysfunctions(osteoporosis),inflammatory disorders(rheumatoid arthritis),and traumatic injuries(such as stress fractures).[1,2]Clinically,BME primarily manifests as localized pain,often accompanied by joint effusion and warmth near the affected joint.Diagnostic protocols typically include physical examination,serological assays,bone marrow biopsies,dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry(DEXA)scans,magnetic resonance imaging(MRI),and ultrasonography,with computed tomography(CT)scans and radiographs being less effective.

Understanding female urinary continence-lessons from complications of female urethral surgery

Dear Editor,We share our experience of two significant complications associated with female urethroplasty and their management in understanding the factors contributing to urinary continence.We have also tried to assess the different components of female urinary continence mechanism and the ways to combat the postoperative urinary continence while performing female urethral surgeries(Fig.1).Informed consent was taken from each of the patients before their evaluation and management.They were explained properly and informed consents were taken from them before the publication of this article.

Advances in DNA methylation and its role in cytoplasmic male sterility in higher plants

The impact of epigenetic modifications like DNA methylation on plant phenotypes has expanded the possibilities for crop development.DNA methylation plays a part in the regulation of both the chromatin structure and gene expression,and the enzyme involved,DNA methyltransferase,executes the methylation process within the plant genome.By regulating crucial biological pathways,epigenetic changes actively contribute to the creation of the phenotype.Therefore,epigenome editing may assist in overcoming some of the drawbacks of genome editing,which can have minor off-target consequences and merely facilitate the loss of a gene’s function.These drawbacks include gene knockout,which can have such off-target effects.This review provides examples of several molecular characteristics of DNA methylation,as well as some plant physiological processes that are impacted by these epigenetic changes in the plants.We also discuss how DNA alterations might be used to improve crops and meet the demands of sustainable and environmentally-friendly farming.

Mouse KL2 is a unique MTSE involved in chromosome-based spindle organization and regulated by multiple kinases during female meiosis

Microtubule-severing enzymes(MTSEs)play important roles in mitosis and meiosis of the primitive organisms.However,their roles in mammalian female meiosis,which accounts for over 80%of gamete-originated human reproductive diseases,remain unexplored.In the current study,we reported that katanin-like 2(KL2)was the only MTSE concentrating at chromosomes.Furthermore,the knockdown of KL2 significantly reduced the chromosome-based increase in the microtubule(MT)polymer,increased aberrant kinetochore-MT(K-MT)attachment,delayed meiosis,and severely affected normal fertility.We demonstrated that the inhibition of aurora B,a key kinase for correcting aberrant K-MT attachment,significantly eliminated KL2 expression from chromosomes.Additionally,KL2 interacted with phosphorylated eukaryotic elongation factor-2 kinase,and they competed for chromosome binding.Phosphorylated KL2 was also localized at spindle poles,with its phosphorylation regulated by extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2.In summary,the current study reveals a novel function of MTSEs in mammalian female meiosis and demonstrates that multiple kinases coordinate to regulate the levels of KL2 at chromosomes.

Fine mapping and cloning of the sterility gene Bra2Ms in nonheading Chinese cabbage(Brassica rapa ssp.chinensis)

The application of a male-sterile line is an ideal approach for hybrid seed production in non-heading Chinese cabbage(Brassica rapa ssp.chinensis).However,the molecular mechanisms underlying male sterility in B.rapa are still largely unclear.We previously obtained the natural male sterile line WS24-3 of non-heading Chinese cabbage and located the male sterile locus,Bra2Ms,on the A2 chromosome.Cytological observations revealed that the male sterility of WS24-3 resulted from disruption of the meiosis process during pollen formation.Fine mapping of Bra2Ms delimited the locus within a physical distance of about 129 kb on the A2 chromosome of B.rapa.The Bra039753 gene encodes a plant homeodomain(PHD)-finger protein and is considered a potential candidate gene for Bra2Ms.Bra039753 was significantly downregulated in sterile line WS24-3 compared to the fertile line at the meiotic anther stage.Sequence analysis of Bra039753 identified a 369 bp fragment insertion in the first exon in male sterile plants,which led to an amino acid insertion in the Bra039753 protein.In addition,the 369 bp fragment insertion was found to cosegregate with the male sterility trait.This study identified a novel locus related to male sterility in non-heading Chinese cabbage,and the molecular marker obtained in this study will be beneficial for the marker-assisted selection of excellent sterile lines in non-heading Chinese cabbage and other Brassica crops.

Female Infertility and Obesity across the United States—A Geographic Cross-Sectional Analysis

This cross-sectional study investigates a connection between female infertility and obesity across various regions of the United States, utilizing data from the NIH’s “All of Us” Researcher Workbench. Analysis suggested that the Southern region exhibited the highest percentage of concurrently infertile and obese females at 32.3%, in contrast to the lowest in the Western region at 28.7%. The findings underscore the significant regional disparities in obesity-related infertility, particularly in medically underserved areas where healthcare access is limited. The study highlights the urgent need for targeted public health interventions, particularly in the Southern United States, to address the rising prevalence of obesity and its impact on infertility. Further, these results advocate for enhanced public health education and policies aimed at improving healthcare accessibility, with the goal of mitigating the adverse effects of obesity on reproductive health.

Morphological and cytological assessments reveal pollen degradation causes pollen abortion in cotton cytoplasmic male sterility lines

Background Understanding the mechanism of male sterility is crucial for producing hybrid seeds and developing sterile germplasm resources.However,only a few cytoplasmic male sterility(CMS)lines of cotton have been produced due to several challenges,like inadequate variation of agronomic traits,incomplete sterility,weak resilience of restorer lines,and difficulty in combining strong dominance.Therefore,the morphological and cytological identification of CMS in cotton will facilitate hybrid breeding.Results Two F_(2) segregating populations of cotton were constructed from cytoplasmic male sterile lines(HaA and 01A,maternal)and restorer lines(HaR and 26R,paternal).Genetic analysis of these populations revealed a segregation ratio of 3:1 for fertile to sterile plants.Phenotypic analysis indicated no significant differences in traits of flower bud development between sterile and fertile plants.However,sterile plants exhibited smaller floral organs,shortened filament lengths,and anther atrophy on the flowering day in comparison with the fertile plants.When performed scanning electron microscopy(SEM),the two F_(2) populations revealed morphological variations in the anther epidermis.Cellular analysis showed no significant differences in pollen development before pollen maturation.Interestingly,between the pollen maturation and flowering stages,the tapetum layer of sterile plants degenerated prematurely,resulting in abnormal pollen grains and gradual pollen degradation.Conclusion The results of this study suggest that fertility-restoring genes are controlled by a single dominant gene.Sterile plants exhibit distinctive floral morphology,which is characterized by stamen atrophy and abnormal anthers.Pollen abortion occurs between pollen maturity and flowering,indicating that premature tapetum degradation may be the primary cause of pollen abortion.Overall,our study provides a theoretical basis for utilizing CMS in hybrid breeding and in-depth investigation of the dominant configuration of cotton hybrid combinations,mechanisms of sterility,and the role of sterile and restorer genes.

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.

Examining the Types and Consequences of Female Genital Mutilation in Somalia: A Cross-Sectional Study on the Burden and Impact of Acute and Long-Term Complications

Background: In Africa, female genital mutilation (FGM) is a widespread and harmful practice, with Somalia having the highest incidence at 98%. This practice has severe and long-lasting physical and mental health consequences. The aim of the study was to evaluate the different types of FGM;immediate and long-term complications associated with the practice, and identify factors related to its prevalence. Method: In a one-year cross-sectional hospital-based study, data were collected from females aged 18 - 50 with a history of FGM. Face-to-face semi-structured questionnaires were used for data collection. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 26, utilizing univariate and bivariate analyses to identify correlations between variables, which were presented in tables. Results: In a study involving 255 female participants, 65.5% were between 18 and 30 years old. The majority (82.7%) were married, while 47.1% were illiterate. FGM cases were more prevalent in rural areas (61.6%). Among the participants, 45.1% were employed. Type 3 FGM was the most common (44.3%), followed by Type 2 (32.2%) and Type 1 (23.9%). In terms of short-term complications experienced by circumcised women, the most common were bleeding, reported by 29.8% of participants, followed by infection (25.1%), and urinary retention (19.2%). Among the long-term complications observed, recurrent vaginal infections were the most prevalent, affecting 29.8% of the surveyed females. This was episiotomy during delivery (22.3%) and genital scarring (10.2%). Conclusion: The study reveals that Type 3 FGM is highly prevalent among the surveyed females, contributing to an increased risk of recurrent vaginal infections, prolonged second stage of labor, higher likelihood of episiotomy during delivery, and genital scarring. These findings emphasize the urgent need for effective preventive strategies and implementation from both international and local organizations to eliminate the harmful practice of FGM.

A Content Analysis Study Describing Information Regarding Female Genital Mutilation Present in US Medical Textbooks

This study examines the depth of information regarding Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)/Female Cutting (FC) present in US medical textbooks. According to Klein et al. (2018) [1], despite substantial attention regarding the effects of FGM, this practice is still ongoing all over the world. Healthcare providers are very important actors who need to understand FGM in order to provide care to girls and women subjected to it, but the small amount of existing work in this area shows a low level of knowledge and training about FGM/FC among U.S. physicians. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) first published the estimated number of girls at risk of FGM/FC in the U.S. to be about 168,000 in 1997;that number had increased to 513,000 girls in the US by 2012 (according to Goldberg et al.) In this study, a small sample of medical textbooks were analyzed for the degree to which the textbooks include information regarding FGM/FC. The results of this study show that US medical textbooks do not include information regarding FGM/FC, suggesting that most medical providers don’t have knowledge and training about FGM/FC. The inadequate information on FGM/FC in medical textbooks reflects a culturally biased lack of recognition of the number of girls and women affected in the US. This maintains an ongoing pattern of silence that reinforces gender inequality. Considering the inadequate information covered in US medical textbooks on FGM/FC, and the concordant lack of provider training to provide advice and care to affected girls and women, incorrect and missed diagnoses may lead to harm to victims of FGM/FC. Providers would be better equipped to care for women and girls if their medical training included information regarding FGM/FC.

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.

Traumatized Interpretations of Female Characters in American Southern Culture in The Glass Menagerie

Tennessee Williams is the most famous Southern playwright in the history of 20th century American literature,and southern identity is a thread that runs throughout Williams’work.The Glass Menagerie is one of his highly representative dramatic works.The play tells the story of how an ordinary family in deep identity crisis escapes the harsh reality and cultural trauma during the Great Depression in the United States.Using trauma theory as a tool,this paper explores the complex relationship between the deep-seated causes of the tragedy of the two female characters in the play and the historical context through the traumatic events experienced by the characters in the play and the different attitudes they show in the face of trauma.Through this,the vulnerability and identity crisis of individuals during the period of social change and cultural breaks are analyzed.The purpose of the paper is to arouse human beings’thoughts on how to cope with cultural integration and foreign cultural invasion,and how to obtain salvation when they are amid an identity crisis.

A Preliminary Discussion on Watercolor Creation and Emotional Expression of Female Themes in the 20th Century

The history of watercolor painting spans over three centuries,and the study of watercolor creations focusing on female themes have been a hot topic in the subfield of art studies.Watercolor originated in the Age of Exploration,initially serving as a practical tool for natural history,and later evolving into an art form for the aristocracy.In the 20th century,creations featuring female themes flourished and reached their peak.Compared to early works portraying female theses in mythology and religion,these paintings exhibit significant differences in expression,color,and texture,reflecting the gradual rise of women’s status and the artists’reflections on modern society.This article delves into the development,emotional expression,creation,and inspiration of watercolor paintings with female themes.By analyzing representative works,we explore the artists’portrayal of women and the reflection of women’s living conditions,social status,and ideological consciousness in contemporary society.This article also examines the profound influence and artistic value of these works on contemporary female-themed paintings from the perspective of art studies.

Urological Complications of Female Genital Mutilation: A Case Report of 15 Patients

Objective background: This was a retrospective study of the clinical and therapeutic aspects of urological complications of female genital mutilation in the urology department of Bamako’s Gabriel Touré University Hospital. Methods: Our study took place from 2002 to 2017 in the urology department of the Gabriel Touré University Hospital in Bamako and concerned cases of complications of female genital mutilation. Our study included all girls or women presenting with urinary disorders related to complications of genital mutilation and received in urological consultation and surgical management. Results: The average age of our patients was 2.5 years, with extremes ranging from 3 months to 35 years. The oldest patient had presented with dystocia during both deliveries. Acute urine retention (n = 7) was the most frequent reason for consultation. Other signs included urinary incontinence, pollakiuria and burning. Physical examination revealed clitoridectomy and abrasion of the labia minora in 13 patients. Type III of the WHO classification of female genital mutilation was the most frequent and corresponded to infibulation.

Health promotion and education proposal among Chinese female college students:eliminating cervical cancer is no longer a dream

Cervical cancer is a serious threat to women’s health.Persistent high-risk human papillomavirus(HPV)infection is a necessary factor for cervical cancer development and has become a serious public health threat to women.At present,young women have become a high-risk group for potential HPV infection.HPV vaccination is an effective method to prevent HPV infection and related diseases and is a primary preventive measure for HPV infection-related diseases.This study explores the influencing factors of female college students’willingness to receive HPV vaccination,their ability to understand college students’HPV awareness,their motivation for HPV vaccination,their behavioral skills related to HPV vaccination,their willingness to receive HPV vaccination and their vaccination rate.The aim of this study was to increase the HPV vaccination rate of Chinese female college students through health education programs and thus reduce the incidence of cervical cancer.

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.

Writing the Silenced Female Body, Scrutinizing the Grand Narrative of Colonization and Decolonization: The Body in Zoë Wicomb’s David’s Story

David’s Story by Zoë Wicomb addresses the complexities of representing female suffering and the limitations of traditional historical narratives in capturing the experiences of marginalized bodies.It challenges the grand narratives of national history by emphasizing the indispensable role of women’s experiences.Through characters like Dulcie and Rachael,Wicomb portrays the female body as a site of resistance and resilience,highlighting the need for more nuanced and inclusive ways of documenting history.Underscoring the inexpressibility of trauma and the limitations of language and representation,the novel self-reflexively acknowledges its own aporia of completing the narrative,embodying the ongoing struggle to capture the full breadth of human experience.

Pharmacokinetics of Gelsemium elegans in female rats

Background:Gelsemium elegans Benth(G.elegans)is a poisonous perennial evergreen vine plant that has been applied in livestock production and veterinary clinical practice.Early studies found that the toxicity of G.elegans showed significant gender differences in rats,but the underlying reasons for this difference are still not well understood.Methods:In order to explore whether the gender differences in the toxicity of G.elegans are related to pharmacokinetic differences,based on the previous pharmacokinetic study of multiple components of G.elegans in male rats,this study used HPLC-MS/MS method established in the laboratory to conduct a pharmacokinetic study of multiple alkaloids in the plasma of female rats after a single gavage administration of G.elegans(dose of 0.1 g/kg).Results:Through detection,17 alkaloid components in the plasma of female rats were identified,and the pharmacokinetic parameters of 11 of these alkaloids were calculated.We find that in female rats.The T_(max)values were generally less than 0.5 h,and the T_(1/2)values exceeded 3 h,with the longest reaching up to 32.80 h half elimination time.Additionally,the C_(max)and AUC results indicated that female rats had generally higher absorption and exposure levels for most alkaloids.Conclusion:These results suggest that the reason for the differences in the toxicology of G.elegans may be related to the absorption and exposure of gelsemidine-type alkaloids in animals.