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Evolution Letters Nov 2017is a maternally inherited ubiquitous endosymbiotic bacterium of arthropods that displays a diverse repertoire of host reproductive manipulations. For the first time, we...
is a maternally inherited ubiquitous endosymbiotic bacterium of arthropods that displays a diverse repertoire of host reproductive manipulations. For the first time, we demonstrate that manipulates sex chromosome inheritance in a sexually reproducing insect. butterfly females on Tanegashima Island, Japan, are infected with the Fem strain and produce all-female offspring, while antibiotic treatment results in male offspring. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) revealed that Fem-positive and Fem-negative females have Z0 and WZ sex chromosome sets, respectively, demonstrating the predicted absence of the W chromosome in Fem-infected lineages. Genomic quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis showed that Fem-positive females lay only Z0 eggs that carry a paternal Z, whereas females from lineages that are naturally Fem-negative lay both WZ and ZZ eggs. In contrast, antibiotic treatment of adult Fem females resulted in the production of Z0 and ZZ eggs, suggesting that this strain can disrupt the maternal inheritance of Z chromosomes. Moreover, most male offspring produced by antibiotic-treated Fem females had a ZZ karyotype, implying reduced survival of Z0 individuals in the absence of feminizing effects of . Antibiotic treatment of Fem-infected larvae induced male-specific splicing of the () gene transcript, causing an intersex phenotype. Thus, the absence of the female-determining W chromosome in Z0 individuals is functionally compensated by -mediated conversion of sex determination. We discuss how may manipulate the host chromosome inheritance and that may have acquired this coordinated dual mode of reproductive manipulation first by the evolution of female-determining function and then cytoplasmically induced disruption of sex chromosome inheritance.
PubMed: 30283652
DOI: 10.1002/evl3.28 -
African Journal of Disability 2018Aphasia is an acquired impairment in language and in the cognitive processes that underlie language. Aphasia affects the quality of life of the person with aphasia (PWA)...
BACKGROUND
Aphasia is an acquired impairment in language and in the cognitive processes that underlie language. Aphasia affects the quality of life of the person with aphasia (PWA) and his or her families in various ways in diverse contexts and cultures. It is therefore important that speech language therapists understand how different contextual and cultural factors may mediate experiences.
PURPOSE
The aim of the study was to describe the caregiving experience of female caregivers of PWA residing in Tembisa, a township situated in the east of Johannesburg.
METHOD
Qualitative, semi-structured interviews were conducted with primary caregivers of PWA. Purposive sampling was used to recruit 14 primary caregivers of PWA who were daughters, daughters-in-law or wives of the PWA. The interviews were conducted in participants' first language and analysed by the researcher, who is proficient in isiZulu. Data were analysed according to the principles of thematic analysis.
RESULTS
Findings indicated that caregivers are unfamiliar with aphasia and the support available to them. Participants experienced frustration and found communication to be challenging owing to their lack of communication strategies. The participants' experiences reflected their context-specific experiences, such as feminisation of caregiving, barriers to healthcare, the influence of low health literacy and contextual perspectives on stroke and aphasia.
CONCLUSIONS
Contextual factors of caregivers in Tembisa have an influence on the experiences between caregivers and PWA, the feelings of individuals and families and health-seeking behaviours of individuals and families.
PubMed: 29535917
DOI: 10.4102/ajod.v7i0.368 -
Geburtshilfe Und Frauenheilkunde Dec 2015The shortage of skilled personnel is ubiquitous, basic and further training is a key aspect in the recruitment of new medical colleagues. The significance of the...
The shortage of skilled personnel is ubiquitous, basic and further training is a key aspect in the recruitment of new medical colleagues. The significance of the nursing practicum in its function as gateway to the gynaecology and obstetrics discipline is practically unexplored. In an online questionnaire, medical students in all German faculties were questioned about the practica in their courses. The questionnaire reached 9079 medical students. 149 participants in nursing practica were selectively asked to answer 140 questions. We analysed those students who could, on the basis of their experiences in nursing practica, imagine undertaking an internship (clinical elective) in gynaecology (internship yes "Iy") separately from those who could not or were still undecided (internship no "In" or, respectively, internship perhaps "Ip"). Altogether 149 medical students who participated in a nursing practicum in the gynaecology discipline were selected, of these 94.9 % were female. 92 (61.7 %) of the students replied that, after their gynaecological nursing practicum, they wanted to undertake an internship in gynaecology (Iy); 39 (26.2 %) answered negatively (In) and 18 (12.1 %) were still undecided (Ip). With regard to the parameters gender, age and duration of study, there were no significant differences among the 3 groups (χ 0.83). Besides the didactic and professional quality of the training, Iy also mentioned having had a higher practical orientation. They attained their aims more frequently, were better integrated in the health-care team and acquired more practical competences. Satisfaction with the practicum was evaluated as highest among the Iy. Those students who could imagine taking an internship in gynaecology were seen to be more satisfied with their practica than those participants who declined or were undecided. The high proportion of females is an early indicator for a feminisation of the specialty. If necessary this could be countered with the help of nursing management.
PubMed: 26726269
DOI: 10.1055/s-0035-1558053 -
Psychoneuroendocrinology Aug 2010Anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) abuse is widespread. Moreover, AAS are reinforcing, as shown by self-administration in rodents. However, the receptors that transduce...
Anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) abuse is widespread. Moreover, AAS are reinforcing, as shown by self-administration in rodents. However, the receptors that transduce the reinforcing effects of AAS are unclear. AAS may bind to classical nuclear androgen receptors (ARs) or membrane receptors. We used two approaches to examine the role of nuclear ARs in AAS self-administration. First, we tested androgen self-administration in rats with the testicular feminization mutation (Tfm), which interferes with androgen binding. If nuclear ARs are essential for AAS self-administration, Tfm males should not self-administer androgens. Tfm males and wild-type (WT) littermates self-administered the non-aromatizable androgen dihydrotestosterone (DHT) or vehicle intracerebroventricularly (ICV) at fixed-ratio (FR) schedules up to FR5. Both Tfm and WT rats acquired a preference for the active nose-poke during DHT self-administration (66.4+/-9.6 responses/4 h for Tfm and 79.2+/-11.5 for WT responses/4 h), and nose-pokes increased as the FR requirement increased. Preference scores were significantly lower in rats self-administering vehicle (42.3+/-5.3 responses/4 h for Tfm and 19.1+/-4.0 responses/4 h for WT). We also tested self-administration of DHT conjugated to bovine serum albumin (BSA) at C3 and C17, which is limited to actions at the cell surface. Hamsters were allowed to self-administer DHT, BSA and DHT-BSA conjugates for 15 days at FR1. The hamsters showed a significant preference for DHT (18.0+/-4.1 responses/4 h) or DHT-BSA conjugates (10.0+/-3.7 responses/4 h and 21.0+/-7.2 responses/4 h), but not for BSA (2.5+/-2.4 responses/4 h). Taken together, these data demonstrate that nuclear ARs are not required for androgen self-administration. Furthermore, androgen self-administration may be mediated by plasma membrane receptors.
Topics: Anabolic Agents; Androgen-Insensitivity Syndrome; Animals; Conditioning, Operant; Cricetinae; Dihydrotestosterone; Injections, Intraventricular; Male; Rats; Receptors, Androgen; Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear; Reinforcement, Psychology; Self Administration
PubMed: 20137860
DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2010.01.007 -
Current Biology : CB Apr 2024Host reproduction can be manipulated by bacterial symbionts in various ways. Parthenogenesis induction is the most effective type of reproduction manipulation by...
Host reproduction can be manipulated by bacterial symbionts in various ways. Parthenogenesis induction is the most effective type of reproduction manipulation by symbionts for their transmission. Insect sex is determined by regulation of doublesex (dsx) splicing through transformer2 (tra2) and transformer (tra) interaction. Although parthenogenesis induction by symbionts has been studied since the 1970s, its underlying molecular mechanism is unknown. Here we identify a Wolbachia parthenogenesis-induction feminization factor gene (piff) that targets sex-determining genes and causes female-producing parthenogenesis in the haplodiploid parasitoid Encarsia formosa. We found that Wolbachia elimination repressed expression of female-specific dsx and enhanced expression of male-specific dsx, which led to the production of wasp haploid male offspring. Furthermore, we found that E. formosa tra is truncated and non-functional, and Wolbachia has a functional tra homolog, termed piff, with an insect origin. Wolbachia PIFF can colocalize and interact with wasp TRA2. Moreover, Wolbachia piff has coordinated expression with tra2 and dsx of E. formosa. Our results demonstrate the bacterial symbiont Wolbachia has acquired an insect gene to manipulate the host sex determination cascade and induce parthenogenesis in wasps. This study reveals insect-to-bacteria horizontal gene transfer drives the evolution of animal sex determination systems, elucidating a striking mechanism of insect-microbe symbiosis.
PubMed: 38692276
DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2024.04.035 -
The Indian Journal of Medical Research Dec 2011Although the HIV incidence rate has slowed in some countries, HIV remains a serious health challenge, particularly in the developing world. The epidemic is increasingly... (Review)
Review
Although the HIV incidence rate has slowed in some countries, HIV remains a serious health challenge, particularly in the developing world. The epidemic is increasingly feminised, with young women at high risk of acquiring the virus. There is thus a clear requirement for acceptable woman-initiated methods of HIV prevention. Foremost among these are vaginally-applied substances known as microbicides; early research into potential microbicides focussed on non-HIV-specific compounds such as surfactants and polyanionic entry inhibitors. However, proof of the microbicide concept as a viable prevention strategy was not provided until the CAPRISA 004 trial of a microbicide containing the HIV-specific antiretroviral tenofovir was completed in mid-2010. Confirmation of the proof of concept provided by CAPRISA 004 by at least two major trials will hopefully lead to licensure of the product by 2018. Parallel studies are planned to ascertain the feasibility of implementation of these products in the public sector with subsequent research focussed on appropriate and acceptable methods of delivery of the active ingredient, and to increase adherence through other delivery systems such as vaginal rings.
Topics: Adenine; Administration, Intravaginal; Anti-HIV Agents; Anti-Infective Agents, Local; Developing Countries; Drug Delivery Systems; Drug Resistance, Viral; Female; HIV Infections; Humans; Organophosphonates; Tenofovir
PubMed: 22310825
DOI: 10.4103/0971-5916.92638 -
BMC Neuroscience 2001In learning and memory tasks, requiring visual spatial memory (VSM), males exhibit higher performance levels compared to females (a difference attributed to sex steroid...
BACKGROUND
In learning and memory tasks, requiring visual spatial memory (VSM), males exhibit higher performance levels compared to females (a difference attributed to sex steroid hormonal influences). Based upon the results from our companion investigation, this study examined the influence of prenatal sex steroid hormone manipulations on VSM in adulthood, as assessed in the radial arm maze. Additionally, the influence of dietary soy phytoestrogens (i.e., the presence of high or low estrogen-like compounds present in the animal's diet) on VSM was examined in combination with the prenatal hormonal manipulations.
RESULTS
Radial arm maze performance on a phytoestrogen-rich diet: 1) females treated prenatally with testosterone were masculinized and acquired/performed in a manner similar to control or oil-treated males and 2) males treated prenatally with an androgen receptor blocker (flutamide) were feminized and acquired/performed in a fashion typical of control or flutamide-treated females. When a diet change was initiated in adulthood, control phytoestrogen-rich fed females outperformed control females switched to a phytoestrogen-free diet. Whereas, in control males the opposite diet effect was identified. Furthermore, flutamide-treated males fed a phytoestrogen-rich diet outperformed flutamide-treated males switched to a phytoestrogen-free diet.
CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest that prenatal hormonal manipulations significantly sex-reverse the normal sexually dimorphic expression of VSM. Specifically, VSM was enhanced in females treated with testosterone and inhibited in males treated with flutamide. Finally, dietary soy phytoestrogens set a bias on learning and memory in these hormonally manipulated animals in a predictable manner and these data confirm and extend the findings in our companion paper.
Topics: Androgen Antagonists; Animals; Behavior, Animal; Cues; Estrogens, Non-Steroidal; Female; Flutamide; Food, Formulated; Hormones; Isoflavones; Male; Maze Learning; Memory; Multivariate Analysis; Phytoestrogens; Plant Preparations; Pregnancy; Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; Rats; Sex Characteristics; Sex Factors; Testosterone
PubMed: 11801188
DOI: 10.1186/1471-2202-2-21 -
Oncology Letters Dec 2014Adrenocortical neoplasms (ACNs) are rare and poorly characterized in infants. The true incidence of ACNs is not well known and it appears to vary substantially across...
Adrenocortical neoplasms (ACNs) are rare and poorly characterized in infants. The true incidence of ACNs is not well known and it appears to vary substantially across different geographical areas. ACNs are more common in females and two peaks of incidence have been identified: The first year of life and between the age of nine and 16 years. Due to the heterogeneity and rarity of ACNs, their pathological and prognostic classification is challenging. The current study describes the case of a seven-year-old male, who presented to the Department of Pediatric Surgery, University of Siena (Siena, Italy) with a feminization syndrome and increased somatic growth that was associated with a unilateral adrenal mass, which was diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging. Surgical excision of the mass was performed and histological analysis determined that it was an ACN, with a low risk of malignity; however, the pathological classification of the tumor was challenging. At present, the future behavior of ACNs is unpredictable. Therefore, increasing the knowledge surrounding this type of tumor may aid in its diagnosis, treatment and prognosis. Due to the rarity of pediatric ACNs, no single pediatric oncology center has acquired extensive experience treating this type of tumor. Thus, the initiation of an international tumor registry may aid with the management of patients presenting with ACNs.
PubMed: 25364453
DOI: 10.3892/ol.2014.2584 -
Journal of Global Infectious Diseases Jan 2010The increasing number of women acquiring Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) has resulted in a 'feminization' of the epidemic. In this article we are reviewing whether...
INTRODUCTION
The increasing number of women acquiring Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) has resulted in a 'feminization' of the epidemic. In this article we are reviewing whether females are disadvantaged in the epidemic, due to factors independent of the biological differences in sexes.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We searched MEDLINE and EMBASE for articles with key words 'Women', 'Gender,' and 'HIV' in any field. The search was restricted to articles published in English within the last 10 years (1999-2009). Data were coded independently by two reviewers from 94 selected sources. The coded data were categorized under five commonly encountered concepts; violence, poverty, gender norms, prevention-/treatment-related issues, and Highly Active Anti-Retroviral Treatment (HAART).
RESULTS
The link between inter-partner violence (IPV) and HIV risk for women is observed by many authors. In assessing the link between poverty and HIV, indicators such as food insufficiency and income inequality may be better indicators compared to wealth itself. Although women are disadvantaged with male-dominated gender norms, evidence suggests that the traditional norms are changing in many societies. A positive association between living in urban communities, education, and better HIV knowledge has been observed in females, although it is not always synonymous with reduced risk behavior.
CONCLUSIONS
Women are still disadvantaged in many HIV-related issues such as poverty, violence, and gender norms. At least in Africa, there is evidence of a positive change in spheres of education and gender norms. However, the situation in Asia is largely unexplored.
PubMed: 20300413
DOI: 10.4103/0974-777X.59246 -
The Journal of Clinical Investigation Jul 1972The pathogenesis of the male pseudohermaphroditism in the mouse with X-linked testicular feminization (Tfm) has been investigated by comparing testosterone formation,...
The pathogenesis of the male pseudohermaphroditism in the mouse with X-linked testicular feminization (Tfm) has been investigated by comparing testosterone formation, the effects of androgen administration, and the metabolism of testosterone-1,2-(3)H in normal mice and Tfm mice of varying ages. First, it was established that the adult Tfm animal, in contrast to the human with testicular feminization, has both a low serum testosterone and a low rate of testosterone formation as assessed in slices of testes utilizing a variety of precursors. However, the formation of testosterone from pregnenolone-7alpha-(3)H was shown to be normal in newborn Tfm testes, suggesting that a defect in testosterone synthesis may not be primary to this mutation. Second, to establish that the pseudohermaphroditic state is due to androgen resistance rather than to diminished androgen biosynthesis during fetal life, the effect of the administration of dihydrotestosterone to pregnant animals was studied in male, female, and Tfm offspring. Whereas normal and carrier female littermates demonstrated striking virilization of the internal genital tract after such treatment, there was no sign of virilization in the Tfm animals. This finding provides direct experimental evidence in support of the view that male pseudohermaphroditism in testicular feminization is the result of resistance to androgen action during androgen-mediated sexual differentiation in embryos. Third, the metabolism of testosterone-1,2-(3)H was investigated both in tissue slices and in functionally hepatectomized animals. Dihydrotestosterone formation in tissue slices of the fetal anlage of the male organs of accessory reproduction is normal in the Tfm animal, suggesting that the primary defect in this disorder involves an intracellular event subsequent to this step and that the deficient dihydrotestosterone formation observed in the adult genital tract of the Tfm mouse is secondary to the failure of differentiation in these tissues. Finally, deficient binding of testosterone in the nuclei of the submandibular gland of adult Tfm animals, a known testosterone target tissue, was demonstrated in functionally hepatectomized mice. This finding could either be a manifestation of the primary genetic defect in this disorder or might reflect another acquired abnormality due to incomplete differentiation of adrogen-sensitive cell lines.
Topics: Androgen-Insensitivity Syndrome; Animals; Chromatography, Thin Layer; Cryptorchidism; Crystallization; Dihydrotestosterone; Disorders of Sex Development; Epididymis; Ligation; Male; Mice; Mutation; Pregnenolone; Progesterone; Prostate; Seminal Vesicles; Sex Chromosomes; Submandibular Gland; Testis; Testosterone; Tritium; Vas Deferens
PubMed: 4402348
DOI: 10.1172/JCI106966