Genetic factors of oocyte maturation arrest: an important cause for recurrent IVF/ICSI failures.

Oocyte maturation arrest (OMA) is a common phenotype observed in IVF/ICSI cycles, characterized by the production of immature oocytes which lead to infertility. Previous studies have demonstrated that genetic factors play an important role in OMA, but the genetic mechanisms underlying a group of patients remain to be elucidated. In the recent issue of Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics, Hu et al. and Wan et al. identified novel PATL2 or ZFP36L2 variants in OMA patients, respectively. By conducting in vitro experiments, they demonstrated the destructive effect of the variants on protein function. These findings expand the mutational spectrum of PATL2 and ZFP36L2, and provide precise reference for genetic counseling of OMA patients.

The correlation between cumulative burden of mental disorders and self-harm, shame, and insight in young female patients with schizophrenia.

This study delves into the correlation between the cumulative burden of mental disorders and self-harm, shame, and insight in young female patients with schizophrenia. A prospective randomized controlled study was used to recruit 62 female schizophrenia patients who met the recruitment conditions from January 2022 to December 2023. The participants were randomly divided into an experimental group (31 cases) and a control group (31 cases) using a computer-based random number distribution method. The experimental group underwent an 8-week Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) intervention, while the control group received conventional treatment. Data was collected using the Modified EI-SHS scale, the Link's Stigma Scale (LSS), the Five-factor Mindfulness Scale (FFMQ), and the Self-awareness and Therapeutic Attitude Questionnaire (ITAQ) before and after the intervention. One-way ANOVA and repeated measure ANOVA were used to compare and analyze the two groups of data. The experimental group exhibited a significant reduction in EI-SHS and LSS scores (100.26 ± 11.48 vs. 88.35 ± 10.09, 112.81 ± 12.30 vs. 100.50 ± 13.52, p < 0.01), coupled with significant increase in FFMQ and ITAQ scores (113.77 ± 12.25 vs. 128.31 ± 14.09, 14.03 ± 4.18 vs. 17.30 ± 2.96, p < 0.01). A positive correlation was found between overall stigma scores and mood disorder scores (r = 0.379, P < 0.011). Correlation analysis revealed a negative correlation between mindfulness (self-awareness) and stigma (r = -0.128, P = 0.025). MBCT effectively reduced stigma in young women with schizophrenia and improved coping tendencies, cognitive status, and attitudes toward mental illness, ultimately reducing the cumulative burden of mental disorders and self-harm in these patients. Increased levels of mindfulness correspond to improved cognitive status and a more positive attitude toward treatment for mental illness. It is of great value to promote MBCT in female patients with schizophrenia.

Applying the Effective Programme Coverage framework to assess gaps in HIV prevention programmes for female sex workers and men who have sex with men in Nairobi, Kenya: findings from an expanded Polling Booth Survey.

INTRODUCTION: Measuring the coverage of HIV prevention services for key populations (KPs) has consistently been a challenge for national HIV programmes. The current frameworks and measurement methods lack emphasis on effective coverage, occur infrequently, lack timeliness and limit the participation of KPs. The Effective Programme Coverage framework, which utilizes a programme science approach, provides an opportunity to assess gaps in various coverage domains and explore the underlying reasons for these gaps, in order to develop targeted solutions. We have demonstrated the application of this framework in partnership with the KP community in Nairobi, Kenya, using an expanded Polling Booth Survey (ePBS) method. METHODS: Data were collected between April and May 2023 among female sex workers (FSWs) and men who have sex with men (MSM) using (a) PBS, (b) bio-behavioural survey and (c) focus group discussions. Data collection and analysis involved both KP community and non-community researchers. Descriptive analysis was performed, and proportions were used to assess the programme coverage gaps. The data were weighted to account for the sampling design and unequal selection probabilities. Thematic analysis was conducted on the qualitative data. RESULTS: The condom programme for FSW and MSM had low availability (60.2% and 50.9%), contact (68.8% and 65.9%) and utilization (52.1% and 43.9%) coverages. The pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) programme had very low utilization coverage for FSW and MSM (4.4% and 2.8%), while antiretroviral therapy utilization coverage was higher (86.6% and 87.7%). Reasons for coverage gaps included a low peer educator-to-peer ratio, longer distance to the clinics, shortage of free condoms supplied by the government, experienced and anticipated side effects related to PrEP, and stigma and discrimination experienced in the facilities. CONCLUSIONS: The Effective Programme Coverage framework allows programmes to assess coverage gaps and develop solutions and a research agenda targeted at specific domains of coverage with large gaps. The ePBS method works well in collecting data to understand coverage gaps rapidly and allows for the engagement of the KP community.

Detection of cyberhate speech towards female sport in the Arabic Xsphere.

The recent rapid growth in the number of Saudi female athletes and sports enthusiasts' presence on social media has exposed them to gender-hate speech and discrimination. Hate speech, a harmful worldwide phenomenon, can have severe consequences. Its prevalence in sports has surged alongside the growing influence of social media, with X serving as a prominent platform for the expression of hate speech and discriminatory comments, often targeting women in sports. This research combines two studies that explores online hate speech and gender biases in the context of sports, proposing an automated solution for detecting hate speech targeting women in sports on platforms like X, with a particular focus on Arabic, a challenging domain with limited prior research. In Study 1, semi-structured interviews with 33 Saudi female athletes and sports fans revealed common forms of hate speech, including gender-based derogatory comments, misogyny, and appearance-related discrimination. Building upon the foundations laid by Study 1, Study 2 addresses the pressing need for effective interventions to combat hate speech against women in sports on social media by evaluating machine learning (ML) models for identifying hate speech targeting women in sports in Arabic. A dataset of 7,487 Arabic tweets was collected, annotated, and pre-processed. Term frequency-inverse document frequency (TF-IDF) and part-of-speech (POS) feature extraction techniques were used, and various ML algorithms were trained Random Forest consistently outperformed, achieving accuracy (85% and 84% using TF-IDF and POS, respectively) compared to other methods, demonstrating the effectiveness of both feature sets in identifying Arabic hate speech. The research contribution advances the understanding of online hate targeting Arabic women in sports by identifying various forms of such hate. The systematic creation of a meticulously annotated Arabic hate speech dataset, specifically focused on women's sports, enhances the dataset's reliability and provides valuable insights for future research in countering hate speech against women in sports. This dataset forms a strong foundation for developing effective strategies to address online hate within the unique context of women's sports. The research findings contribute to the ongoing efforts to combat hate speech against women in sports on social media, aligning with the objectives of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and recognizing the significance of female participation in sports.

HIV Knowledge and Its Associated Sociodemographic Factors among Female Sex Workers in Malaysia.

Background: Female sex workers (FSWs) have a high risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. In spite of the alarming fact that a large proportion of FSWs does not have adequate HIV knowledge, the association between sociodemographic factors and HIV knowledge among FSWs have yet to be thoroughly explored in the context of Malaysia. The aims of this study are the following: i) to determine HIV knowledge and ii) to examine the associated factors of HIV knowledge. Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted. Data from the Integrated Biological and Behavioral Surveillance Survey (IBBS) 2017 (n = 630) were used. The survey was carried out in all states in Malaysia and its duration was 4 months (from March 2017 to June 2017). Ordered probit regressions were utilised to shed light on the association between sociodemographic variables and levels of HIV knowledge. Results: A large proportion of FSWs had middle-level HIV knowledge (44.1%). FSWs with tertiary-level education were 19.5% more likely to have high-level HIV knowledge compared to those without formal education. The probability of having low-level HIV knowledge was 6.8% lower among FSWs with monthly incomes of RM1,500-RM1,999 than those having incomes of ≤ RM499. Being single instead of married was associated with 7.6%-8% lower probabilities of having low- and middle-level HIV knowledge. Conclusion: Public health interventions to improve FSWs' HIV knowledge need to take into consideration the role of sociodemographic factors.

Effects of resistance exercise, collagen ingestion and circulating oestrogen concentration on collagen synthesis in a female athlete: A case report.

We investigated the effects of resistance exercise (RE), hydrolysed collagen (HC) ingestion and circulating oestrogen concentration on collagen synthesis in a naturally menstruating female CrossFit athlete. In a double-blind, randomised cross-over design, the participant (36 years; height 1.61 m; mass 82.6 kg) consumed 0 or 30 g HC prior to performing back-squat RE when endogenous circulating oestrogen concentration was low (onset of menses, OM) and high (late follicular phase, LF) during two consecutive menstrual cycles. Ten 5-mL blood samples were collected during each of the four interventions to analyse concentrations of serum 17ß-oestradiol, and biomarkers of type I collagen turnover, that is serum procollagen type I N-terminal propeptide (PINP, a biomarker of collagen synthesis) and plasma ß-isomerised C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (ß-CTX, a biomarker of collagen breakdown), as well as the serum concentration of 18 collagen amino acids. 17ß-Oestradiol concentration was 5-fold higher at LF (891 ± 116 pmol L-1) than OM (180 ± 13 pmol L-1). The PINP concentration × time area under the curve (AUC) was higher in the 30 g HC OM intervention (201 µg L-1 h) than the 30 g HC LF (144 µg L-1 h), 0 g HC OM (151 µg L-1 h) and 0 g HC LF (122 µg L-1 h) interventions. ß-CTX concentration decreased 1.4-fold from pre-RE to 6 h post-RE in all interventions. Thus, high circulating oestrogen concentration was associated with lower collagen synthesis following RE in this female athlete. Ingesting 30 g HC, however, augmented the collagen synthesis response at LF and particularly at OM. HIGHLIGHTS: What is the central question of this study? Does resistance exercise-induced collagen synthesis vary according to circulating oestrogen concentration in a naturally menstruating female athlete, and if so, does hydrolysed collagen ingestion have any impact? What is the main finding and its importance? Exercise-induced collagen synthesis was low when circulating oestrogen concentration was high and vice versa. However, ingesting 30 g hydrolysed collagen prior to exercise reduced the negative effect of oestrogen on collagen synthesis. As high circulating oestrogen has been associated with greater injury risk in females, supplementing exercise with hydrolysed collagen may help protect these tissues from injury.

Primary urethral carcinoma in female: An extremely rare case series at a single tertiary referral hospital and literature review.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Primary urethral carcinoma (PUC) is exceedingly uncommon and accounts for 0.02 % of all female cancers and <1 % of female genitourinary tract malignancy. PUC in female usually presents late with a higher disease stage and, hence, has higher cancer-specific mortality. Due to its rarity, the current recommendation for the management of PUC is still unclear. CASE PRESENTATION: This study reports two rare cases of 59-year-old and 65-year-old women with PUC, presenting with chief complaint of hematuria. Urethrocystoscopy and biopsy were performed. Pathology results revealed mucinous adenocarcinoma (AC) and urothelial carcinoma (UC) of the urethra, respectively. Radiological imaging was conducted for staging. Both were diagnosed with cT4N2M0. The first patient underwent anterior pelvic exenteration with bilateral ureterocutaneoustomy (UCS), while the second patient received cisplatin-based chemotherapy before the surgery. Radiological follow-up was planned 3 months after the surgery. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Both mucinous AC and UC are considered incredibly unusual subtypes, with no defined treatment guidelines. Anterior exenteration with or without neoadjuvant chemotherapy may be opted for advanced PUC affecting the proximal urethra and adjacent organs. Following the previous studies, in this case series, both patients (locally advanced) underwent anterior exenteration. Additionally, the UC subtype received multimodal treatment with neoadjuvant chemotherapy which was shown to improve overall survival. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, PUC is extremely rare, and the choice of management remained various. Long-term follow-up for these patients is mandatory to improve understanding of this incredibly uncommon disease.

RNA HELICASE 32 is essential for female gametophyte development in Arabidopsis.

The normal progression of mitotic cycles and synchronized development within female reproductive organs are pivotal for sexual reproduction in plants. Nevertheless, our understanding of the genetic regulation governing mitotic cycles during the haploid phase of higher plants remains limited. In this study, we characterized RNA HELICASE 32 (RH32), which plays an essential role in female gametogenesis in Arabidopsis. The rh32 heterozygous mutant was semi-sterile, whereas the homozygous mutant was nonviable. The rh32 mutant allele could be transmitted through the male gametophyte, but not the female gametophyte. Phenotypic analysis revealed impaired mitotic progression, synchronization, and cell specification in rh32 female gametophytes, causing the arrest of embryo sacs. In the delayed pollination test, none of the retarded embryo sacs developed into functional female gametophytes, and the vast majority of rh32 female gametophytes were defective in the formation of the large central vacuole. RH32 is strongly expressed in the embryo sac. Knock-down of RH32 resulted in the accumulation of unprocessed 18S pre-rRNA, implying that RH32 is involved in ribosome synthesis. Based on these findings, we propose that RH32 plays a role in ribosome synthesis, which is critical for multiple processes in female gametophyte development.

Adherence to guideline-recommended care of late-onset hypertension in females versus males: A population-based cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Sex-based disparities in cardiovascular outcomes may be improved with appropriate hypertension management. OBJECTIVE: To compare the evidence-based evaluation and management of females with late-onset hypertension compared to males in the contemporary era. METHODS: Design: Retrospective population-based cohort study. SETTING: Ontario, Canada. PARTICIPANTS: Residents aged ≥66 years with newly diagnosed hypertension between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2017. EXPOSURE: Sex (female vs. male). OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: We used Poisson and logistic regression to estimate adjusted sex-attributable differences in the performance of guideline-recommended lab investigations. We estimated adjusted differences in time to the prescription of, and type of, first antihypertensive medication prescribed between females and males, using Cox regression. RESULTS: Among 111,410 adults (mean age 73 years, 53% female, median follow-up 6.8 years), females underwent a similar number of guideline-recommended investigations (adjusted incidence rate ratio, 0.997 [95% confidence interval [CI] 0.99-1.002]) compared to males. Females were also as likely to complete all investigations (0.70% females, 0.77% males; adjusted odds ratio, 0.96 [95% CI 0.83-1.11]). Females were slightly less likely to be prescribed medication (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 0.98 [95% CI 0.96-0.99]) or, among those prescribed, less likely to be prescribed first-line medication (aHR, 0.995 [95% CI 0.994-0.997]). CONCLUSIONS: Compared to males, females with late-onset hypertension were equally likely to complete initial investigations with comparable prescription rates. These findings suggest that there may be no clinically meaningful sex-based differences in the initial management of late-onset hypertension to explain sex-based disparities in cardiovascular outcomes.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on extended-spectrum ß-lactamase producing Escherichia coli in urinary tract and blood stream infections: results from a nationwide surveillance network, Finland, 2018 to 2022.

BACKGROUND: Before the COVID-19 pandemic there has been a constant increase in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) of Escherichia coli, the most common cause of urinary tract infections and bloodstream infections. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on extended-spectrum ß-lactamase (ESBL) production in urine and blood E. coli isolates in Finland to improve our understanding on the source attribution of this major multidrug-resistant pathogen. METHODS: Susceptibility test results of 564,233 urine (88.3% from females) and 23,860 blood E. coli isolates (58.8% from females) were obtained from the nationwide surveillance database of Finnish clinical microbiology laboratories. Susceptibility testing was performed according to EUCAST guidelines. We compared ESBL-producing E. coli proportions and incidence before (2018-2019), during (2020-2021), and after (2022) the pandemic and stratified these by age groups and sex. RESULTS: The annual number of urine E. coli isolates tested for antimicrobial susceptibility decreased 23.3% during 2018-2022 whereas the number of blood E. coli isolates increased 1.1%. The annual proportion of ESBL-producing E. coli in urine E. coli isolates decreased 28.7% among males, from 6.9% (average during 2018-2019) to 4.9% in 2022, and 28.7% among females, from 3.0 to 2.1%. In blood E. coli isolates, the proportion decreased 32.9% among males, from 9.3 to 6.2%, and 26.6% among females, from 6.2 to 4.6%. A significant decreasing trend was also observed in most age groups, but risk remained highest among persons aged ≥ 60 years. CONCLUSIONS: The reduction in the proportions of ESBL-producing E. coli was comprehensive, covering both specimen types, both sexes, and all age groups, showing that the continuously increasing trends could be reversed. Decrease in international travel and antimicrobial use were likely behind this reduction, suggesting that informing travellers about the risk of multidrug-resistant bacteria, hygiene measures, and appropriate antimicrobial use is crucial in prevention. Evaluation of infection control measures in healthcare settings could be beneficial, especially in long-term care.

Impact of research paradigms on low-income female caregivers and their children: an oral health literacy discourse.

Objective: Despite the vast knowledge gained through research and public health surveillance, dental caries prevalence among children from low-income households remains high. The aim of this literature review is to identify assumptions made within existing empirical, constructivist, and critical paradigms to determine how those assumptions impact knowledge and if these impacts have aided in perpetuating inequity or health disparities within this target population. Method: A literature search of EBSCOhost, PubMed, and Web of Science was conducted to retrieve articles from peer-reviewed journals published in the last 10 years, including qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods studies. Qualitative methods included narrative research via interviews; quantitative designs included cross-sectional studies using surveys and various indices to assess oral health literacy (OHL) levels and oral health status. Exclusion criteria were non-English studies and studies that did not include female caregivers. Results: Nine primary research articles were selected for analysis. The positivist paradigm was dominant in 7 of 9 articles. Oral health social processes, such as the lack of value placed on oral health as a component of overall health by the broader medical community and the public, were not discussed as influencing factors on OHL. Discussion: Assumptions identified within the dominant paradigms were determined to perpetuate inequity or health disparities, confirming a link between caregivers' OHL levels and the oral health status of their children. It is critical that all health care professionals improve their understanding of factors affecting caregivers' OHL. Conclusion: Strategies that empower and advocate for women to improve their OHL should be developed.

Objectif: Malgré les vastes connaissances acquises par le biais de la recherche et des activités de surveillance de la santé publique, la prévalence des caries dentaires chez les enfants vivant dans des ménages à faible revenu demeure élevée. La présente revue de la littérature vise à cerner les suppositions des paradigmes empiriques, constructivistes et critiques existants afin de déterminer comment elles influent sur les connaissances, et si ces effets ont contribué à perpétuer les iniquités ou les disparités en matière de santé au sein de cette population cible. Méthodes: On a procédé à une recherche documentaire sur EBSCOhost, PubMed et Web of Science pour trouver des articles publiés au cours des 10 dernières années dans des revues à comité de lecture, y compris des études par cohortes qualitatives, quantitatives et mixtes. Les méthodes qualitatives comprenaient des recherches narratives réalisées au moyen d'entrevues. Les méthodes quantitatives comprenaient des études transversales faisant appel à des sondages, ainsi que divers indices visant à évaluer les niveaux de littératie en santé buccodentaire et la situation en matière de santé buccodentaire. Les critères d'exclusion s'appliquaient aux études non anglophones et aux études qui n'incluaient pas de femmes soignantes. Résultats: Neuf articles présentant des études originales ont été sélectionnés aux fins d'analyse. Le paradigme positiviste était dominant dans 7 des 9 articles. L'influence de certains processus sociaux de santé buccodentaire, tel que le manque de valeur accordée à la santé buccodentaire en tant qu'élément de la santé globale par la communauté médicale en général et par le public, sur la littératie en santé buccodentaire n'a pas été discutée. Discussion: On a établi que les suppositions définies dans les paradigmes dominants perpétuaient l'iniquité ou des disparités en matière de santé, ce qui confirme l'existence d'un lien entre le niveau de littératie en santé buccodentaire parmi les soignants et l'état de santé buccodentaire de leurs enfants. Il est essentiel que tous les professionnels de la santé renforcent leur compréhension des facteurs qui influent sur cette littératie chez les soignants. Conclusion: Il est nécessaire d'élaborer des stratégies propres à défendre les femmes et à leur donner les moyens d'améliorer leur littératie en santé buccodentaire.

Perspectives of persons in charge regarding support for the health and daily lives of female technical intern trainees who migrate to Japan: a qualitative study.

Objectives: Migrant technical intern trainees who migrate to Japan have become essential to the Japanese labour force, especially in rural areas. Persons in charge of supervising organisations and training coordinators both support the trainees' health and daily lives during their stay in Japan. This support is significant for trainees as it helps them access and interact with Japanese society. This study explored the perspectives of persons in charge of female technical trainees regarding support for the latter's health and daily lives. Materials and Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 persons in charge of female technical trainees, followed by a thematic analysis of the interview data to extract key themes. Results: Four primary themes emerged: fostered beliefs and roles, cultural considerations and health support, language considerations, and concerns about female trainees in relationships. These considerations and support developed solely through experience of persons in charge of female trainees. Additionally, those in charge expressed concerns about trainees being involved in a relationship. However, no specific measures, such as providing female trainees with information, have been taken. Conclusion: Persons in charge of female technical intern trainees need to be provided opportunities to learn about cultural considerations and providing health support for their trainees. Furthermore, the cooperation of health professionals with supervising organisations and training facilities is essential to promote the healthy lives of technical intern trainees. These insights can contribute to the development of an integrated community-based approach to support the health and daily lives of female trainees.

Paraurethral Leiomyoma: A Rare Entity Requiring Extensive Preoperative Counseling and Prompt Management.

Paraurethral leiomyoma is an exceptionally rare benign smooth muscle tumor adjacent to the female urethra, presenting diagnostic challenges due to nonspecific symptoms like urinary obstruction and dysuria. This case report details the clinical presentation, diagnostic workup, and surgical management of a 45-year-old woman with a paraurethral leiomyoma. Diagnosis involved clinical examination, imaging, and biopsy. The mass was excised via a perineal route without urethral injury, confirmed by histopathology. The patient recovered well, voiding without difficulty postoperatively. This case emphasizes the importance of thorough preoperative counseling, advanced imaging, and multidisciplinary collaboration in managing paraurethral leiomyomas.

Sex differences in unmet needs between male and female older veterans.

Aging Veterans face complex needs across multiple domains. However, the needs of older female Veterans and the degree to which unmet needs differ by sex are unknown. We analyzed responses to the HERO CARE survey from 7,955 Veterans aged 55 years and older (weighted N = 490,148), 93.9% males and 6.1% females. We evaluated needs and unmet needs across the following domains: activities of daily living (ADLs), instrumental ADLs (IADLs), health management, and social. We calculated weighted estimates and compared sex differences using age-adjusted prevalence ratios. On average, female Veterans were younger, more were Non-Hispanic Black and unmarried. Females and males reported a similar prevalence of problems across all domains. However, compared to males, female Veterans had a lesser prevalence of missed appointments due to transportation (aPR 0.49; 95% CI: 0.26-0.92), housework unmet needs (aPR: 0.44; 95% CI: 0.20-0.97), and medication management unmet needs (aPR: 0.33; 95% CI: 0.11-0.95) but a higher prevalence of healthcare communication unmet needs (aPR: 2.40; 95% CI: 1.13-5.05) and monitoring health conditions unmet needs (aPR: 2.13, 95% CI: 1.08-4.20). Female Veterans' common experience of unmet needs in communicating with their healthcare teams could result in care that is less aligned with their preferences or needs. As the number of older female Veterans grows, these data and additional work to understand sex-specific unmet needs and ways to address them are essential to providing high-quality care for female Veterans.

Crustacean endocrinology: Sexual differentiation and potential application for aquaculture.

Crustaceans, which represent a significant subset of arthropods, are classified into three major classes: Ostracoda, Malacostraca, and Branchiopoda. Among them, sex manipulation in decapod species from the Malacostraca class has been extensively researched for aquaculture purposes and to study reproductive physiology and sexual plasticity. Some decapods exhibit sexual dimorphism that influences their biological and economic value. Monosex culture, in which only one sex is cultivated, increases production yields while reducing the risk of invasiveness, as genetic leakage into natural waters is less likely to occur. Differences in yield are also observed when cultivating different sexes, with all-male cultures of Macrobrachium rosenbergii being more profitable than both mixed and all-female cultures. Research on decapod sexual differentiation has led to a better understanding of sex determination and sexual differentiation processes in arthropods. Similar to most mammals and other vertebrate classes, Malacostraca crustaceans, including decapods, exhibit a cell-non-autonomous mode of sexual development. Genetic factors (e.g., sex chromosomes) and endocrine factors (e.g., insulin-like androgenic gland factor and crustacean female sex hormone) play pivotal roles in the development of sexually dimorphic traits. This review synthesizes the existing understanding of sex determination mechanisms and the role of sex hormones in decapod species. Additionally, it provides an overview of the methyl farnesoate, which has been suggested to be involved in male sex differentiation in some crab species, as well as the phenomenon of male-to-female sex reversal in host decapods caused by parasitic crustaceans.

Sex-specific resilience of neocortex to food restriction.

Mammals have evolved sex-specific adaptations to reduce energy usage in times of food scarcity. These adaptations are well described for peripheral tissue, though much less is known about how the energy-expensive brain adapts to food restriction, and how such adaptations differ across the sexes. Here, we examined how food restriction impacts energy usage and function in the primary visual cortex (V1) of adult male and female mice. Molecular analysis and RNA sequencing in V1 revealed that in males, but not in females, food restriction significantly modulated canonical, energy-regulating pathways, including pathways associated waith AMP-activated protein kinase, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha, mammalian target of rapamycin, and oxidative phosphorylation. Moreover, we found that in contrast to males, food restriction in females did not significantly affect V1 ATP usage or visual coding precision (assessed by orientation selectivity). Decreased serum leptin is known to be necessary for triggering energy-saving changes in V1 during food restriction. Consistent with this, we found significantly decreased serum leptin in food-restricted males but no significant change in food-restricted females. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that cortical function and energy usage in female mice are more resilient to food restriction than in males. The neocortex, therefore, contributes to sex-specific, energy-saving adaptations in response to food restriction.

Lithium Induced Amenorrhea: A First Case Report.

A 19-year-old female, known case of bipolar disorder had history of amenorrhea (absence of menstruation) for three years. While other causes of amenorrhea such as CNS, pregnancy, other medications, and thyroid issues were ruled out, she was found to have hyper-prolactinemia. Although antipsychotic medications are known to cause amenorrhea due to dopamine receptor blockade, which may result in hyperprolactinemia, the patient's symptoms began before she started these medications. Only drug that she was on for long period is lithium. Current literature shows mixed evidence about lithium's impact on prolactin levels, which can affect menstruation. This case may represent the first report of lithium causing amenorrhea through elevated prolactin levels. Clinicians should be aware of this potential side effect and monitor patients accordingly. Further studies are needed to confirm and understand this potential link.

Are different generations of female employees trapped by work-family conflicts? A study on the impact of family-supportive supervisor behavior on thriving at work.

Introduction: With women's advancement in education and status, they drive corporate and social progress. However, traditional gender roles burden female employees with more family responsibilities, challenging work-life balance and affecting job performance. Organizations should supporting female employees to address these challenges. Thriving at work, a core aspect of positive work engagement, helps maintain enthusiasm and efficiency. This study explores the impact of family-supportive supervisor behavior (FSSB) on the thriving at work of female employees in China, considering generational differences in their work-family balance needs and the mediating mechanisms involved. Methods: The methodology adopted in this study utilized Amos 26.0 and SPSS 25.0 to analyze data obtained from a sample of 279 female employees in China. Specifically, the study examined the direct impact of FSSB on thriving at work, alongside the mediating influence of work-family balance. Moreover, the research aimed to discern variations in these effects across different generational cohorts. Results: This study highlights the direct impact of FSSB on female employees' thriving at work across different generational cohorts. Notably, the "post-90s" generation displayed the strongest direct effect of FSSB on thriving at work. Additionally, the impact of FSSB on work-family balance varied by generation, with the "post-90s" generation showing the weakest effect. Furthermore, the mediating role of work-family balance differed among generations, with complete mediation observed in the "post-80s" generation but no mediating effect in the "post-90s" generation, reflecting their distinct work-life balance priorities and needs. Discussion: This study uses a generational difference perspective to explore the main and mediating effects of FSSB on thriving at work, enriching the theoretical research on generational differences and providing valuable insights for future research. Practically, organizations should focus on the needs of different generations while encouraging FSSB, fostering a supportive work environment and enhancing outcomes.

Influence of Long Non-Coding RNAs on Human Oocyte Development.

Recent research findings have highlighted the pivotal roles played by lncRNAs in both normal human development and disease pathogenesis. LncRNAs are expressed in oocytes and early embryos, and their expression levels change dynamically once the embryonic genome is activated during early human embryonic development. Abnormal expression of lncRNAs was found in follicular fluid, granulosa cells and oocytes of patients, and these lncRNAs were related to cell proliferation and apoptosis, nuclear maturation and follicle development. The expression levels of some lncRNAs in cumulus cells demonstrate correlations with the quality of oocytes and early embryos. This paper aims to present a comprehensive overview of the influence of LncRNAs on the developmental process of human oocytes as well as their involvement in certain infertility-related diseases.

Prevalence and correlates of female genital mutilation among young women in selected sub-Saharan African countries: A pooled analysis.

A deeper understanding of the factors associated with female genital mutilation remains important in the fight against this practice, particularly in developing countries. This study focused on young women (15-35 years) and pooled analysis using DHS data (2015-2019) for selected sub-Saharan African countries was done. The weighted study sample was 26289 and the data were analysed using univariate, bivariate and multivariate regression analysis. The results are based on information at the time of the survey. The overall prevalence of FGM among young women from the selected countries was 71.5%. Sierra Leone had the highest prevalence (83.7%), followed by Tanzania (80.8%), Ethiopia (73.0%), and Gambia (72.4%). The prevalence in Senegal and Guinea were both below 60%. We found that age, level of education, age at first marriage, parity, employment status, media exposure, and type of place of residence were statistically associated with FGM. This calls for targeted interventions focusing on increasing awareness, education, and empowerment for young women with low socio-economic status.

Une compréhension plus approfondie des facteurs associés aux mutilations génitales féminines reste importante dans la lutte contre cette pratique, en particulier dans les pays en développement. Cette étude s'est concentrée sur les jeunes femmes (15-35 ans) et une analyse groupée utilisant les données DHS (2015-2019) pour certains pays d'Afrique subsaharienne a été réalisée. L'échantillon pondéré de l'étude était de 26 289 et les données ont été analysées à l'aide d'une analyse de régression univariée, bivariée et multivariée. Les résultats sont basés sur les informations disponibles au moment de l'enquête. La prévalence globale des MGF parmi les jeunes femmes des pays sélectionnés était de 71,5 %. La Sierra Leone avait la prévalence la plus élevée (83,7 %), suivie par la Tanzanie (80,8 %), l'Éthiopie (73,0 %) et la Gambie (72,4 %). La prévalence au Sénégal et en Guinée était inférieure à 60 %. Nous avons constaté que l'âge, le niveau d'éducation, l'âge au premier mariage, la parité, la situation professionnelle, l'exposition aux médias et le type de lieu de résidence étaient statistiquement associés aux MGF. Cela nécessite des interventions ciblées axées sur la sensibilisation, l'éducation et l'autonomisation des jeunes femmes ayant un statut socio-économique faible.