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The complex compositional and functional nature of skeletal muscle makes this organ an essential topic of study for biomedical researchers and clinicians. An additional layer of complexity is added with the consideration of sex as a biological variable. Recent research advances have revealed sexual dimorphisms in developmental biology, muscle homeostasis, adaptive responses, and disorders relating to skeletal muscle. Many of the observed sex differences have hormonal and molecular mechanistic underpinnings, whereas others have yet to be elucidated. Future research is needed to investigate the mechanisms dictating sex-based differences in the various aspects of skeletal muscle. As such, it is necessary that skeletal muscle biologists ensure that both female and male subjects are represented in biomedical and clinical studies to facilitate the successful testing and development of therapeutics for all patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Humans exhibit what appears to be a unique vocal property: octave equivalence, whereby adult male voices are, on average, an octave lower in pitch than those of adult females and children. The evolutionary significance of this seems largely to have escaped notice. While sexual selection might explain why male voices are generally lower, it cannot explain why they should be so much lower than what would be expected for body size or why the average difference should be exactly one octave. Nor does a generalized dimorphism convey why precisely tuned octaves feature so commonly in human vocal interaction. The octave features strongly in the organization of music. A consequence of this characteristic of human pitch perception and production is the capacity to share and respond to vocal pitches (and their instrumental equivalents) as if they are "the same" irrespective of the difference in range, a phenomenon known as octave equivalence. We investigate the nature of octave equivalence from an adaptive perspective and propose a hypothesis for its evolution based on the importance of chorusing for social bonding and pitch matching in intergenerational exchange. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The memoir of Kenan Çinili, a transgender person who was widely covered by newspapers in Turkey in the second half of the 1930s, sheds light on the historically and geographically unique workings of cisheteronormativity. Through a self‐reflexive reading of the memoir and newspaper accounts from this period, this article explores how a narrative transgender subjectivity emerges from the appropriation and negotiation of tropes, figures and discourses that make this subjectivity intelligible. Through the use of the medium of photography, which exposed and spectacularised gender nonconformity, Kenan was able to performatively embody and visually present a masculine gender identity. However, the space Kenan created for narrative and visual self‐constitution was conditioned by their privileges based on class, urban–rural hierarchy, ethnicity and normative sexual dimorphism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neurological diseases and neurotrauma manifest significant sex differences in prevalence, progression, outcome, and therapeutic responses. Genetic predisposition, sex hormones, inflammation, and environmental exposures are among many physiological and pathological factors that impact the sex disparity in neurological diseases. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a powerful class of gene expression regulator that are extensively involved in mediating biological pathways. Emerging evidence demonstrates that miRNAs play a crucial role in the sex dimorphism observed in various human diseases, including neurological diseases. Understanding the sex differences in miRNA expression and response is believed to have important implications for assessing the risk of neurological disease, defining therapeutic intervention strategies, and advancing both basic research and clinical investigations. However, there is limited research exploring the extent to which miRNAs contribute to the sex disparities observed in various neurological diseases. Here, we review the current state of knowledge related to the sexual dimorphism in miRNAs in neurological diseases and neurotrauma research. We also discuss how sex chromosomes may contribute to the miRNA sexual dimorphism phenomenon. We attempt to emphasize the significance of sexual dimorphism in miRNA biology in human diseases and to advocate a gender/sex-balanced science. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large (>3 m) slender-bodied rat snakes are abundant in agroecosystems of southern Asia and are heavily exploited for their skins and meat. We examined 216 specimens killed at commercial facilities in Cirebon, West Java, to quantify morphological and reproductive traits and evaluate harvest sustainability by comparing this sample to one taken 25 years previously. The snakes we examined were mostly adults, and mostly male. Females were less heavy-bodied than males of the same body length, matured at a larger size than males, but attained smaller maximum sizes. Reproduction and energy (fatbody) storage was seasonal in both sexes, with females containing oviductal eggs primarily during the annual wet season. Clutch size averaged 12.6 eggs and increased with maternal body size. Comparison of the two samples taken 25 years apart revealed strong similarity in sex ratio, the numerical preponderance of adults, body sizes at sexual maturation and mean adult body sizes, sexual dimorphism in body length and mass, reproductive seasonality in females, mean fecundity, and the relationship between fecundity and maternal body size. That consistency suggests that commercial harvesting over the intervening period has not affected the biological traits of rat snake populations, consistent with a sustainable level of offtake. The heavily exploited oriental rat snake is common across much of Asia. Despite its economic and ecological importance, little is known about its biology or the sustainability of the harvest. Dissection of 216 commercially collected snakes from West Java and comparison with a sample taken 25 years previously shows that the harvest is based mainly on adults and is likely sustainable. Sustainability is enhanced by the snake's rapid growth, early maturation, high reproductive output, and ability to exploit available resources. Photograph by Nathan Rusli. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Teeth are an excellent source for genetic and forensic studies. Teeth exhibit minimum morphological change and are easy to inspect. Because of their resistance to fire and bacterial breakdown, they are useful for forensic identification. Tooth dimension can be employed to determine age and gender. "Sexual dimorphism" means distinctions in height, stature, and appearance between men and women that can be used in dental identification. Aim: With this background, a study was conducted to figure out canine tooth dimorphism as an aid in sex determination among the Kashmiri population. Materials and Methods: A hospital-based retrospective study was undertaken on the Kashmiri people. The casts were picked from the Government Dental College and Hospital Srinagar's Postgraduate Department of Orthodontics. A total of 100 casts were chosen (50 each from men and women). The mesiodistal diameter of maxillary and mandibular canines was measured with a digital vernier caliper. The measurements were entered into an Excel spreadsheet and statistical analysis was performed to determine gender differences. Results: Males and females have considerably varied maxillary and mandibular canine mesiodistal proportions. However, data regarding sexual dimorphism in mandibular right canines were fairly stable. Conclusion: According to the findings of this study, males had greater mean mesiodistal dimensions than females. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Caldasia is the property of Universidad Nacional de Colombia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Body size has a profound effect on many aspects of animals' biology including sexual interactions. Hymenopteran parasitoids exhibit dimorphisms in which females are larger than males. A recent study has indicated that in the solitary koinobiont parasitoid wasp Lysiphlebus fabarum Marshall, offspring life history traits are influenced by maternal body size, which raises the questions of whether larger females are preferred and whether larger males have an advantage when it comes to accessing larger mates. To test this, females of L. fabarum were allowed to lay eggs in aphids (Aphis fabae Scopoli) at different growth stages to manipulate female and male body size. First, we conducted a choice experiment to determine whether large female wasps are preferred by males. Secondly, we examined the effect of male body size on the ability of males within a patch to access females. Males of L. fabarum lack mate preference, as both small and large females were almost equally selected as mates. Mate searching duration did not vary with male or female body size, suggesting that body size would not influence pre-copulatory interactions within the patch. Smaller males copulated significantly longer, and copulation duration increased with the sexual body size dimorphism. Our finding suggests that a "first-to-mate" strategy is favoured by males, mating with the female they encounter regardless of her quality. Also, small males copulate longer possibly because of lower sperm transfer rate. This study shed light on the evolutionary processes regarding mating behaviours in this parasitoid wasp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Palate has been a topic of interest regarding sex determination from human skeletal remains in physical anthropology. Palatal index (PI) is an important parameter for the sex determination of deceased individuals with unknown identity. AIM: The study aimed to determine and compare PI, clinically and radiographically, and evaluate its role in sexual dimorphism in the Central Indian population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted on 392 participants, in the department of anatomy and dentistry of a premium medical college in India. Maxillary casts were used for clinical measurement. Posteroanterior and lateral cephalogram (Ceph) were used for the radiographic method. Palatal length (PL) and palatal breadth (PB) were measured. PI was calculated as PB/PL x 100. Data were analyzed using unpaired Student's t-test. RESULTS: Participants belonged to the age group of 41-50 years (31.63%), 51-60 years (27.04%), and 18-30 years (18.87%). Clinical and radiographic PB was found to be higher in males (37.94 ± 1.28 mm, 38.87 ± 3.11 mm) than females (35.44 ± 1.18 mm, 36.62 ± 2.75 mm). PL demonstrated almost similar clinical values in males (45.25 ± 1.65 mm) and females (45.21 ± 1.51 mm) with no statistical significance. Radiographic PL was significantly higher in males (48.28 ± 1.60 mm) than females (46.41 ± 1.69 mm). Males demonstrated higher PI, clinically and radiographically (83.84 ± 3.82 mm, 80.51 ± 5.32 mm), than females (78.38 ± 4.19 mm, 78.91 ± 5.06 mm). CONCLUSION: Palatal parameters showed significant differences suggesting sexual dimorphism. They serve as important anthropometric, clinical, and radiographic tools useful in the identification of deceased individuals as a part of forensic medicine and odontology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information on the reproductive biology of fish species is essential for fisheries management, conservation and culture potential assessment. Therefore, this study aimed to understand the sex‐based morphological differences and reproductive characteristics of Cephalocassis borneensis, an ariid species with a rapid decline of wild populations. Fish samples were collected monthly from local fishermen (n = 1092) in the Vietnamese Mekong River over a year. Morphological analyses revealed that sexual dimorphism was observed in mature, but not immature, fish. The length at first maturity (Lm) was smaller for males (11.5 cm) than for females (12.5 cm). Mature males had larger head length and pre‐pectoral distance than mature females, increasing the space for oral incubation of fertilized eggs and larvae in males. Conversely, females were larger in three head parameters (head angle, head width and head depth) and three abdomen parameters (body deep, ventral fin length and distance between pectoral and ventral fin) involved in ovary development. Paternal mouth‐brooding behaviour is an important reproductive strategy in C. borneensis to increase offspring survival. Monthly variations in gonado‐somatic index and condition factor (K) and the presence of maturation stages indicated that C. borneensis spawns year‐round, mainly in the rainy season from June to October. This species' fecundity was relatively low, from 10 to 31 eggs per female of quite large sizes (about 7.30 ± 0.68 mm in diameter). Besides, non‐functional oocytes (hyaline eggs) of smaller size (<3 mm) were found in the females' ovaries. Low fecundity with large eggs and paternal care indicated that the species is an equilibrium strategist. These characteristics are critical in developing ariid species conservation plans, such as setting the time and mesh‐size for fishing, and domestication programmes in artificial conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To derive a new horizontal plane which can be a suitable alternative to Frankfurt horizontal plane (FH plane). MATERIALS AND METHODS: 200 pre‑treatment lateral roentogenic cephalograms from patient records in the department of orthodontics and dentofacial orthopaedics were traced. The landmarks were identified and marked and the measurements were carried out. Patients with all skeletal relationships were included in the study. The angle formed between the lines connecting anatomic porion, orbitale and machine porion was measured and tabulated. Dimorphism between the genders if any was also evaluated. RESULTS: The mean angulation between the planes from the anatomic porion to orbitale to machine porion (PoA‑Or‑PoM) in our sample is 3.14 ± 2.17°. PoA to Or to PoM angulation for males is 2.57° and for females is 3.4°. CONCLUSIONS: SIDS plane also called as derived FH plane given here is a reliable and easily reproducible alternative to the FH plane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sexual dimorphism, or biological differences between males and females, affects various organs in the human body, including the adrenal cortex. The corticosteroid-binding globulin (CBG) is a protein that binds to glucocorticoids, which are hormones that impact metabolism, immunity, and stress response. A study published in the journal Endocrinology reveals that CBG plays an unexpected role in shaping the sexual dimorphism of the adrenal cortex in rats. Female rats show a sharp increase in CBG levels at puberty, coinciding with the appearance of adrenal sexual dimorphism. The study suggests that CBG captures free hormones in the adrenal gland, reducing the amount of biologically active glucocorticoids and impacting adrenal size and gene expression. While CBG levels differ between sexes in rodents, the situation in humans is less clear. Further research is needed to understand the impact of CBG on adrenal biology and sex bias in humans. [Extracted from the article]

The circadian clock modulates human physiology. However, the organization of tissue-specific gene expression rhythms and how these depend on age and sex is not defined in humans. We combined data from the Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) project with an algorithm that assigns circadian phases to 914 donors, by integrating temporal information from multiple tissues in each individual, to identify messenger RNA (mRNA) rhythms in 46 tissues. Clock transcripts showed conserved timing relationships and tight synchrony across the body. mRNA rhythms varied in breadth, covering global and tissue-specific functions, including metabolic pathways and systemic responses. The clock structure was conserved across sexes and age groups. However, overall gene expression rhythms were highly sex-dimorphic and more sustained in females. Rhythmic programs generally dampened with age across the body. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although they are among the most abundant snakes on Earth, and are heavily exploited for their skins and meat, Asian bockadams (or "dog-faced water snakes", Cerberus schneiderii) have attracted relatively little study across their wide geographic range. Based on dissection of 3,382 snakes brought to processing facilities in and around the city of Cirebon in West Java, Indonesia, we document facets of the biology of these mangrove-dwelling aquatic homalopsids. Females attain larger body sizes than do males, and are heavier-bodied (due in part to greater fat reserves) but have shorter tails relative to snout-vent length. Males showed testicular enlargement late in the year (August-November) but both reproductive and non-reproductive females were found year-round. Litters were large (3 to 45 offspring), especially in larger females. The commercial harvest falls mainly on adult snakes of both sexes, with seasonal variation in sex ratios. Life-history traits such as early maturation and frequent production of large litters render this species resilient to commercial harvesting. Future research should explore reasons for strong variation among facilities in the sex ratios of snakes, potentially identifying ways to focus the harvest on the sex (males) whose numbers are less critical for population viability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Studi e Materiali di Storia delle Religioni is the property of Editrice Morcelliana S.p.A. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Chiasmocleis is the most species-rich New World microhylid genus. Among Atlantic Forest species in the genus, C. alagoana has the northernmost distribution. The species was described two decades ago; however, little is known about its natural history. Herein, we provide information on its reproductive biology, advertisement call, and external morphology based on specimens from the type locality and the type series. Reproduction occurs in the rainy season but only on days with torrential rains. The advertisement call consists of a series of pulsed notes common for most species of the genus. Structurally, each note consists of two groups of distinct pulses with amplitude modulations. This call structure is a candidate of synapomorphy for a subclade of the genus consisting of C. alagoana, C. cordeiroi, C. crucis, and C. schubarti. Morphologically, the species exhibit sexual dimorphism with females being larger and twice heavier than males. Both sexes have fringes on fingers and toes. Moreover, we report the presence of dermal spines over the body and webbing on feet in males and include these characters in an update diagnosis of the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aging is a physiological process of decline of all functions, including sexual behavior. The aging mechanisms of the endocrine system and the factors that control sexual behavior are discussed. Hormones have an important but limited role. There is a sexual, anatomical and functional dimorphism of sexual behavior. The benefits of sexual activity versus the lack of sexual activity are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Reconstructing the social lives of extinct primates is possible only through an understanding of the interplay between morphology, sexual selection pressures, and social behavior in extant species. Somatic sexual dimorphism is an important variable in primate evolution, in part because of the clear relationship between the strength and mechanisms of sexual selection and the degree of dimorphism. Here, we examine body size dimorphism across ontogeny in male and female rhesus macaques to assess whether it is primarily achieved via bimaturism as predicted by a polygynandrous mating system, faster male growth indicating polygyny, or both. Methods: We measured body mass in a cross‐sectional sample of 362 free‐ranging rhesus macaques from Cayo Santiago, Puerto Rico to investigate size dimorphism: (1) across the lifespan; and (2) as an outcome of sex‐specific growth strategies, including: (a) age of maturation; (b) growth rate; and (c) total growth duration, using regression models fit to sex‐specific developmental curves. Results: Significant body size dimorphism was observed by prime reproductive age with males 1.51 times the size of females. Larger male size resulted from a later age of maturation (males: 6.8–7.8 years vs. females: 5.5–6.5 years; logistic model) and elevated growth velocity through the pre‐prime period (LOESS model). Though males grew to larger sizes overall, females maintained adult size for longer before senescence (quadratic model). Discussion The ontogeny of size dimorphism in rhesus macaques is achieved by bimaturism and a faster male growth rate. Our results provide new data for understanding the development and complexities of primate dimorphism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Animal Health, Production & Hygiene is the property of Animal Health, Production & Hygiene and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objectives: In humans, the pelvis is the most sexually dimorphic skeletal element and is often utilized in aging and sexing remains. The pelvis has become greatly relied upon in anthropological research (e.g., forensics, demographics, obstetrics, evolutionary history); however, pelvis morphology is highly variable, and very little is known about the nature, sources, patterning, and interpretation of this variation. This study aims to quantify pelvis shape variation, document sexual shape variation, and estimate the plasticity of morphology. This will ultimately give greater ability to interpret modern, archaeological, and evolutionary patterns to gain deeper insight into processes which shape human anatomy. Materials and methods: Using a sample of 129 Medieval Danish skeletons, shape variation is documented in the greater sciatic notch (GSN), iliac crest (IC), arcuate line (AL), and sub‐pubic angle (SPA) using 3D geometric morphometrics. The landmarking method applied here has the advantage of being applicable to fragmentary remains, rather than requiring whole bones. This allows it to be easily applied to archaeological samples and for the interpretation of separate bone features. Differences in shape were statistically analyzed by principle component analysis, linear discriminate analysis, and morphological disparity. Relationships between maximum femur length, body mass, and shape centroid size were also test by allometric regression. Results: Results quantify the sexual dimorphism and shape variation present in these features. The GSN shape is the most variable, while the AL is the least. Similarly, the IC is the only feature which shows almost no dimorphism in shape, and instead best reflects lifestyle/activity patterns. Evidence of dimorphism in the IC is likely a result of cultural labor patterns rather than genetic and hormonal influence. Finally, the shapes of the GSN, AL, and SPA are more related to body mass than to femur length, such that individuals with increased mass exhibit more classically "male" shapes and those with less mass have more "female" shapes. Discussion The results have important implications for the evolution of pelvic anatomy, and sexual dimorphism, but also highlight the plasticity inherent in pelvic morphology. Analyzing pelvis features separately in a clearly defined, relatively genetically homogenous population gives insight into the determinants of bone morphology, which are not readily observable by other means. The relationship between body mass and shape suggests dimorphism in body size and composition may affect bone shape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selenium (Se) is a vital trace element in human beings and is essential for protection against oxidative stress. This study aimed to investigate the accumulation and antioxidant effects of two organic seleniums, L‐selenomethionine (SM) and L‐Se‐methylselenocysteine (SMC), through in vivo and in vitro experiments. L02 cells were pretreated with 10 nM SM or SMC for 24 h, followed by exposure to 100 nM of H₂O₂. Cell viability, apoptosis, and antioxidant capacity were detected to evaluate SM and SMC's protective effect. Organic selenium (SM and SMC) and inorganic selenium (sodium selenite, SS) were compared in terms of their in vivo accumulation and antioxidant capacity when supplemented daily and subsequently deprived in SD rats. Our results show that SM or SMC pre‐treatment could significantly prevent elevated apoptosis and declined antioxidant ability. We found that organic Se supplementation resulted in higher Se accumulation than inorganic Se in the liver and kidney. The antioxidant capacity of liver and kidney tissues from rats fed with either organic selenium was significantly improved and was higher than that of SS. In summary, this study suggests that organic selenium supplements are more effective in facilitating Se accumulation in liver and kidney, enhancing antioxidant capacities, thereby protecting cells from oxidative stress. Practical Application: This study compared the antioxidant capacity of sodium selenite, L‐selenomethionine, and L‐Se‐methylselenocysteine in vitro and in vivo. The results showed that organic selenium has a stronger antioxidant capacity and that significant differences exist in its absorption and conversion in male and female rats. Our results provide theoretical guidance for dietary supplementation of selenium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Alternative mating tactics are widespread in animals and associated with extreme morphological polymorphism in some insects. Some fig wasps have both highly modified wingless males and dispersing winged males. Wingless males mate inside figs before females disperse, while winged males mate elsewhere after dispersal. Hamilton proposed a model for this system with morphs determined by alternative alleles. This has an equilibrium where the proportion of winged males equals the proportion of females dispersing unmated; i.e. the proportion of matings that they obtain. Previously, we have shown qualitative support for this prediction across nine wing-dimorphic fig wasp species. Here I test the quantitative prediction in the fig wasp Pseudidarnesminerva. In addition, some fig wasp species that lack winged males, but have two wingless morphs, show a conditional strategy with morph determination influenced by the number of wasps developing in a patch. I also test for this alternative pattern in the wing-dimorphic P. minerva. Results: I sampled 114 figs that contained a mean of 2.1 P. minerva wasps from 44 trees across four sites in Sydney, Australia. At the whole population level, the proportion of winged males (0.84 or 0.79 corrected for sampling bias) did not differ significantly from the proportion of unmated females (0.84), providing strong quantitative support for the prediction of Hamilton's model. In addition, there was no evidence for other factors, such as local mate competition or fighting between wingless males, that could violate simplifying assumptions of the model. Meanwhile, the proportion of winged males was not correlated with the number of wasps per fig, providing no evidence for a conditional strategy. Conclusion: The morph ratio in P. minerva is consistent with Hamilton's simple Mendelian strategy model, where morph ratios are set by average mating opportunities at the population level. This contrasts with some fig wasps from another subfamily that show conditional morph determination, allowing finer scale adaptation to fig-level mating opportunities. However, these conditional cases do not involve wing polymorphism. Male polymorphism is common and variable in fig wasps and has evolved independently in multiple lineages with apparently different underlying mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study compares lower limb diaphyseal robusticity between Native Alaskan hunter‐gatherers to reconstruct patterns of mobility and engagement with terrain. Materials and methods: Ancestral remains included in this study date between 600 and 1800 C.E. and were divided into three regions: Coastal Bay, Far North Coastal, and Inland/Riverine. Cross‐sectional properties were determined at femoral and tibial midshafts and standardized by powers of body mass and bone length. Results: Consistently elaevated areas and second moments of area were found in ancestral remains from the Far North Coastal, while the Coastal Bay remains had reduced diaphyseal robusticity. Individuals from the Inland/Riverine region were intermediate in robusticity for male femora, but similar to the Coastal Bay group for females. Sexual dimorphism was greatest in the Inland/Riverine ancestral remains and comparable between Coastal Bay and Far North Coastal regions. Conclusions: Ancestral remains from the Far North Coastal region have the greatest diaphyseal robusticity in response to intensive hunting and travel over rugged terrain. Reduced sexual dimorphism in the Far North Coastal region suggest female participation in hunting activities. Intermediate diaphyseal robusticity among Inland/Riverine males and increased sexual dimorphism reflects diverse patterns of mobility in relation to the hunting cycle between males and females. Reduced diaphyseal robusticity and sexual dimorphism among the Coastal Bay group is associated with sedentary villages established around net fishing in regions with low relief. Such findings argue against technocentric views of sedentism in hunter‐gatherer lifeways and generally reflect diverse adaptive strategies and interaction with local terrain among Indigenous Late Holocene hunter‐gatherers of Alaska. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Artvin Çoruh Üniversitesi Orman Fakültesi Dergisi is the property of Artvin Coruh University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways execute essential functions in eukaryotic organisms by transducing extracellular stimuli into adaptive cellular responses. In the fission yeast model Schizosaccharomyces pombe the cell integrity pathway (CIP) and its core effector, MAPK Pmk1, play a key role during regulation of cell integrity, cytokinesis, and ionic homeostasis. Schizosaccharomyces japonicus, another fission yeast species, shows remarkable differences with respect to S. pombe, including a robust yeast to hyphae dimorphism in response to environmental changes. We show that the CIP MAPK module architecture and its upstream regulators, PKC orthologs Pck1 and Pck2, are conserved in both fission yeast species. However, some of S. pombe’s CIP-related functions, such as cytokinetic control and response to glucose availability, are regulated differently in S. japonicus. Moreover, Pck1 and Pck2 antagonistically regulate S. japonicus hyphal differentiation through finetuning of Pmk1 activity. Chimeric MAPK-swapping experiments revealed that S. japonicus Pmk1 is fully functional in S. pombe, whereas S. pombe Pmk1 shows a limited ability to execute CIP functions and promote S. japonicus mycelial development. Our findings also suggest that a modified N-lobe domain secondary structure within S. japonicus Pmk1 has a major influence on the CIP signaling features of this evolutionarily diverged fission yeast. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The jaguarundi (Herpailurus yagouaroundi) has one of the most extensive latitudinal ranges among felids of the Western Hemisphere. Its wide geographic distribution and range of habitats may result in patterns of cranial morphological variation. Thus, we investigated the hypothesis of the existence of morphological ecotypes adapted to specific environments used by the species. The crania of 54 museum specimens from three different ecoregions in Brazil were digitized in ventral, dorsal, and lateral views. No sexual dimorphism was detected. Our hypothesis was supported by the fact that the specimens from the Amazon were significantly larger than those from the Atlantic Forest and Uruguayan savanna. Cranial shape variation between sexes, as well as among ecoregions, was mostly explained by the effect of size. Correlations between geographical distance and cranial shape were not significant. There was a significant correlation between cranium size and latitude, in a pattern that is the reverse of Bergmann's rule, with larger specimens in lower latitudes. The environmental variables positively correlated with cranium size indicated that larger cats occurred in regions with greater temperature and precipitation. Resource availability might be the cause of the observed variation in cranium size, since jaguarundis probably show different prey size preferences along the species distribution range. However, more ecological data for most ecoregions are needed to test the "resource rule" and to fully understand the patterns and causes of cranial variation in this cat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Dimorphism in the dentition has been observed in human populations worldwide. However, research has largely focused on traditional linear crown measurements. As imaging systems, such as micro‐computed tomography (micro‐CT), become increasingly more accessible, new dental measurements such as dental tissue size and proportions can be obtained. This research investigates the variation of dental tissues and proportions by sex in archaeological samples. Materials and Methods: Upper and lower first incisor to second premolar tooth rows were obtained from 30 individuals (n = 300), from 3 archaeological samples. The teeth were micro‐CT scanned and surface area and volumetric measurements were obtained from the surface meshes extracted. Dental wear was also recorded and differences between sexes determined. Results: Enamel and crown measurements were found to be larger in females. Conversely, dentine and root measurements were larger in males. Discussion: The findings support the potential use of dental tissues to estimate sex of individuals from archaeological samples, while also indicating that individuals aged using current dental aging methods may be underaged or overaged due to sex differences in enamel thickness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sexual dimorphism in gene expression is likely to be the underlying source of dimorphism in a variety of traits. Many analyses implicitly make the assumption that dimorphism only evolves when selection favors different phenotypes in the two sexes, although theory makes clear that it can also evolve as an indirect response to other kinds of selection. Furthermore, previous analyses consider the evolution of a single transcript or trait at a time, ignoring the genetic covariance with other transcripts and traits. We first show which aspects of the genetic-variance–covariance matrix, G , affect dimorphism when these assumptions about selection are relaxed. We then reanalyze gene expression data from Drosophila melanogaster with these predictions in mind. Dimorphism of gene expression for individual transcripts shows the signature of both direct selection for dimorphism and indirect responses to selection. To account for the effect of measurement error on evolutionary predictions, we estimated a G matrix for eight linear combinations of expression traits. Sex-specific genetic variances in female- and male-biased transcription, as well as one relatively unbiased combination, were quite unequal, ensuring that most forms of selection on these traits will have large effects on dimorphism. Predictions of response to selection based on the whole G matrix showed that sexually concordant and antagonistic selection are equally capable of changing sexual dimorphism. In addition, the indirect responses of dimorphism due to cross-trait covariances were quite substantial. The assumption that sexual dimorphism in transcription is an adaptation could be incorrect in many specific cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A comparison of the finger and toe ridge patterns can reveal their genetic interdependence. This cross-sectional study aimed at analyzing and correlating the corresponding finger and toe ridge counts. Materials and Methods: The hands and feet of 100 subjects (50 males and 50 females) from the Anioma tribe of Nigeria were scanned with Hewlett placard G4010 photo scanner following ethical approval. Evaluation of the finger and toe prints was carried out using AutoCAD version 2010. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package of the Social Sciences version 23 and presented using descriptive statistics. Chi-square test was used to test for association between nonparametric variables while Pearson's correlation was used to assess for the relationship between corresponding finger and toe ridge counts. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The predominant finger and toe ridge patterns were loops (73%, 79.7%) followed by arches (18.4%, 15.1%) and finally whorls (8.6%, 5.2%). There was a significant association between gender and the combined print patterns of all the five digits on a limb (P ≤ 0.05). A significant positive correlation existed between the mean ridge counts of some of the corresponding fingers and toes in females. This correlation was weak in the corresponding 1st right and 1st and 3rd left digits (0 < r < 0.5) (P ≤ 0.05) and strong in the corresponding 3rd to 5th right digits and 2nd, 4th, and 5th left digits (0.5 ≤ r < 1) (P ≤ 0.05). Conclusion: The study has clearly shown that sexual dimorphism is displayed only by a combination of the print patterns in all digits of a limb as against individual digits. Using correlation of digital mean ridge counts, the right 3rd to 5th and the left 2nd, 4th, and 5th digits from either the hand or the foot in females can be used to predict the corresponding digit among the Anioma people of Nigeria, hence their importance in forensic sciences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Persian fallow deer (PFD), Dama dama mesopotamica, is one of the rarest members of the Cervidae family currently listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. OBJECTIVES: Morphological variations in the skulls of male and female PFDs were evaluated in this investigation. METHODS: In cooperation with the Department of Environment, skulls and mandibles were obtained from five male and four female animals. After the usual practices of bone cleaning, the specimens were evaluated for morphological differences. Next, 29 parameters were measured on the skulls and mandibles by a digital Vernier caliper for morphometric studies. In addition, ten, six, and nine landmark points were defined on the left lateral photos of mandibles, dorsal, and left lateral photos of skulls, respectively. The points were digitized on two-dimensional images using the TpsDig2 software. The shape differences between the two genders were analyzed using discriminate function analysis in the MorphoJ software. RESULTS: The interfrontal ridge was more prominent in male PFDs than in female animals. Moreover, there were some significant differences in the measured parameters, mostly in the mandible. The geometric morphometric evaluations showed no significant differences between the two genders. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of the present investigation revealed some morphological differences between the skulls of male and female PFDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The general pattern of sexual size dimorphism (SSD) in amphibians is characterized by females being larger than males. However, the reverse pattern, a male-biased SSD, may be widespread within some particular groups, as seems to be the case for the Neotropical treefrog genus Bokermannohyla. Although SSD is commonly associated with factors influential to breeding success, the evolutionary determinants of SSD remain controversial. Thus, the study of SSD, particularly on lesser-known species, remains critical to advance our understanding of the evolution of body size and other traits associated with the reproductive biology of amphibians. Herein, we examined the occurrence of sexual dimorphism in body size and other morphometric attributes in Bokermannohyla alvarengai and provided a detailed account of its reproductive biology. This species is endemic to a threatened habitat, occurs at low densities, and has a poorly documented natural history. We found that, at maturity, males of B. alvarengai were larger than females, with hypertrophied forelimbs and larger prepollex spines. This set of features, common to other Bokermannohyla species, is often attributed to the occurrence of male territorial defense and aggression between males. We found that B. alvarengai has a prolonged breeding season that extends from the middle of the dry season to the middle of the rainy season. Adult males did not form breeding aggregations and seemed to establish and defend territories; these males often had skin scars indicative of male–male combat. However, alternative interpretations for differences in body size and secondary sexual characters cannot be ruled out and are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

If optimal investment in anti-predator defences depends on predation risk, invading new regions (and thus, encountering different predators) may favour shifts in that investment. Cane toads offer an ideal system to test this prediction: expensive anti-predator toxins are stored mainly in parotoid glands whose dimensions are easy to measure, and toad invasions have changed the suites of predators they encounter. Although plasticity may influence parotoid morphology, comparisons between parents and progeny revealed that gland dimensions were highly heritable. That heritability supports the plausibility of an evolved basis to variation in gland dimensions. Measurements of 3779 adult toads show that females have larger glands than males, invasive populations have larger glands than in the native-range, and that parotoid sexual size dimorphism varies strongly among invaded areas. Geographic variation in parotoid morphology may be driven by predation risk to both adult toads and offspring (provisioned with toxins by their mother), with toxins allocated to eggs exacerbating the risk of cannibalism but reducing the risk of interspecific predation. Investment into chemical defences has evolved rapidly during the cane toad's international diaspora, consistent with the hypothesis that organisms flexibly adjust resource allocation to anti-predator tactics in response to novel challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been demonstrated that sociocultural environment has a significant impact on human behavior. This contribution focuses on differences in the perception of attractiveness of European (Czech) faces as rated by Czechs of European origin, Vietnamese persons living in the Czech Republic and Vietnamese who permanently reside in Vietnam. We investigated whether attractiveness judgments and preferences for facial sex-typicality and averageness in Vietnamese who grew up and live in the Czech Republic are closer to the judgements and preferences of Czech Europeans or to those of Vietnamese born and residing in Vietnam. We examined the relative contribution of sexual shape dimorphism and averageness to the perception of facial attractiveness across all three groups of raters. Czech Europeans, Czech Vietnamese, and Asian Vietnamese raters of both sexes rated facial portraits of 100 Czech European participants (50 women and 50 men, standardized, non-manipulated) for attractiveness. Taking Czech European ratings as a standard for Czech facial attractiveness, we showed that Czech Vietnamese assessments of attractiveness were closer to this standard than assessments by the Asian Vietnamese. Among all groups of raters, facial averageness positively correlated with perceived attractiveness, which is consistent with the "average is attractive" hypothesis. A marginal impact of sexual shape dimorphism on attractiveness rating was found only in Czech European male raters: neither Czech Vietnamese nor Asian Vietnamese raters of either sex utilized traits associated with sexual shape dimorphism as a cue of attractiveness. We thus conclude that Vietnamese people permanently living in the Czech Republic converge with Czechs of Czech origin in perceptions of facial attractiveness and that this population adopted some but not all Czech standards of beauty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A higher incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) is found in males compared to females. Young women (18–44 years) with CRC have a better survival outcome compared to men of the same age or compared to older women (over 50 years), indicating a global incidence of sexual dimorphism in CRC rates and survival. This suggests a protective role for the sex steroid hormone estrogen in CRC development. Key proliferative pathways in CRC tumorigenesis exhibit sexual dimorphism, which confer better survival in females through estrogen regulated genes and cell signaling. Estrogen regulates the activity of a class of Kv channels (KCNQ1:KCNE3), which control fundamental ion transport functions of the colon and epithelial mesenchymal transition through bi-directional interactions with the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway. Estrogen also modulates CRC proliferative responses in hypoxia via the novel membrane estrogen receptor GPER and HIF1A and VEGF signaling. Here we critically review recent clinical and molecular insights into sexual dimorphism of CRC biology modulated by the tumor microenvironment, estrogen, Wnt/β-catenin signalling, ion channels, and X-linked genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The corn smut fungus Ustilago maydis serves as a model species for studying fungal dimorphism and its role in phytopathogenic development. The pathogen has two growth phases: a saprobic yeast phase and a pathogenic filamentous phase. Dimorphic transition of U. maydis involves complex processes of signal perception, mating, and cellular reprogramming. Recent advances in improvement of reference genomes, high-throughput sequencing and molecular genetics studies have been expanding research in this field. However, the biology of other non-model species is frequently overlooked. This leads to uncertainty regarding how much of what is known in U. maydis is applicable to other dimorphic fungi. In this review, we will discuss dimorphic fungi in the aspects of physiology, reproductive biology, genomics, and molecular genetics. We also perform comparative analyses between U. maydis and other fungi in Ustilaginomycotina, the subphylum to which U. maydis belongs. We find that lipid/hydrophobicity is a potential common cue for dimorphic transition in plant-associated dimorphic fungi. However, genomic profiles alone are not adequate to explain dimorphism across different fungi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The female of the strongly sexual dimorph Lambula vanrossemi De Vos, 2019 has been discovered and is described. The genitalia and variation in pattern of the adults is figured. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, we provide information on diet, sexual dimorphism and reproductive biology of the false coral snake Oxyrhopus rhombifer from the southernmost Brazilian coast, Pampa Biome, a region under influence of subtropical climatic domains. The analysis of 142 specimens revealed a marked sexual dimorphism, with significant differences for all the characters analyzed. The diet of the species is composed by small rodents and squamate reptiles, the latter consisting mainly of lizard tails, probably autotomized. Males reached sexual maturity at smaller sizes (SVL) than females (354 mm vs 451 mm, respectively). Secondary follicles were found mainly in spring months and one single female presented 3 oviductal eggs in January (summer). Our results add to the knowledge on biology of snakes in the Pampa morphoclimatic domain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate sex difference in the functional movement in the adolescent period. Seven hundred and thirty adolescents (365 boys) aged 16–17 years participated in the study. The participants performed standardized Functional Movement Screen™ (FMSTM) protocol and a t-test was used to examine sex differences in the total functional movement screen score, while the chi-square test was used to determine sex differences in the proportion of dysfunctional movement and movement asymmetries within the individual FMSTM tests. Girls demonstrated higher total FMSTM score compared to boys (12.7 ± 2.3 and 12.2 ± 2.4, respectively; p = 0.0054). Sex differences were present in several individual functional movement patterns where boys demonstrated higher prevalence of dysfunctional movement compared to girls in patterns that challenge mobility and flexibility of the body (inline lunge: 32% vs. 22%, df = 1, p = 0.0009; shoulder mobility: 47% vs. 26%, df = 1, p < 0.0001; and active straight leg raise: 31% vs. 9%, df = 1, p < 0.0001), while girls underperformed in tests that have higher demands for upper-body strength and abdominal stabilization (trunk stability push-up: 81% vs. 44%, df = 1, p < 0.0001; and rotary stability: 54% vs. 44%, df = 1, p = 0.0075). Findings of this study suggest that sex dimorphisms exist in functional movement patterns in the period of mid-adolescence. The results of this research need to be considered while using FMSTM as a screening tool, as well as the reference standard for exercise intervention among the secondary school-aged population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Understanding thoraco‐pelvic integration in Homo sapiens and their closest living relatives (genus Pan) is of great importance within the context of human body shape evolution. However, studies assessing thoraco‐pelvic covariation across Hominoidea species are scarce, although recent research would suggest shared covariation patterns in humans and chimpanzees but also species‐specific features, with sexual dimorphism and allometry influencing thoraco‐pelvic covariation in these taxa differently. Material and Methods: N = 30 adult H. sapiens and N = 10 adult Pan troglodytes torso 3D models were analyzed using 3D geometric morphometrics and linear measurements. Effects of sexual dimorphism and allometry on thoraco‐pelvic covariation were assessed via regression analyses, and patterns of thoraco‐pelvic covariation in humans and chimpanzees were computed via Two‐Block Partial Least Squares analyses. Results: Results confirm the existence of common aspects of thoraco‐pelvic covariation in humans and chimpanzees, and also species‐specific covariation in H. sapiens that is strongly influenced by sexual dimorphism and allometry. Species‐specific covariation patterns in chimpanzees could not be confirmed because of the small sample size, but metrics point to a correspondence between the most caudal ribs and iliac crest morphology that would be irrespective of sex. Conclusions: This study suggests that humans and chimpanzees share common aspects of thoraco‐pelvic covariation but might differ in others. In humans, torso integration is strongly influenced by sexual dimorphism and allometry, whilst in chimpanzees it may not be. This study also highlights the importance not only of torso widths but also of torso depths when describing patterns of thoraco‐pelvic covariation in primates. Larger samples are necessary to support these interpretations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Crustaceans have economic and ecological importance and the role of caridean crustaceans in lentic environments is crucial to maintain the trophic structure. The species Atya scabra is occasionally associated with fisheries, especially in Northeast and Northern Brazil. Objective: To determine the population structure, reproductive period, patterns of growth and distribution of size classes among sexes in a population of the prawn A. scabra in the De Contas River, Bahia, Brazil. Methods: Individuals were sampled in a period of one year by passing sieves through marginal vegetation and using dragnets. In the laboratory, we recorded the sex of the individuals and measured them using a pachymeter with 0.001 mm precision. The dimensions measured were CL (carapace length), TL (total length) and CW (carapace width). In order to analyze data, linear models for the relationships CL x CW were constructed and the type of allometry for each sex was determined. Individuals were grouped into size classes of 5 mm intervals. A chi-square test (χ²) was used to test deviation from the 1:1 sex ratio. The proportion of ovigerous females was registered for each month to determine the breeding period. Results: A total of 517 individuals were collected, 328 were males and 186 females of which 169 were ovigerous. Males showed a polymodal distribution in size classes and were significantly larger than females, which presented a unimodal distribution in size classes. The observed growth patterns demonstrated that both sexes present negative allometry. However, sexual dimorphism was detected when comparing the growth parameters. Ovigerous females were sampled the entire year and size-frequency data demonstrated that recruitment also occurs throughout the year, which allowed us to classify their reproduction as continuous. Conclusions: Our data is essential to draw sustainable fishery management strategies. We suggest a minimum capture size of 70 mm and capture restrictions from May to August. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current data estimate the origin of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MtbC) infection around 73,000 years before the common era (BCE), and its evolution to "modern" lineages around 46,000 BCE. Being MtbC a major killer of humanity, the question is how both species could persist. To answer this question, we have developed two new epidemiological models (SEIR type), adapted to sex dimorphism and comparing coinfection and superinfection for different MtbC lineages. We have attributed a higher resistance/tolerance to females to explain the lower incidence noted in this sex, a better health status in the Paleolithic compared to the Neolithic, and a higher dissemination of "modern" lineages compared to "ancient" ones. Our findings show the extraordinary impact caused by "modern" lineages, provoking the extinction of the groups infected. This could only be overcomed by an unprecedented population increase (x20 times in 100 years) and helped with the protection generated by previous infection with "ancient" lineages. Our findings also suggest a key role of female resistance against MtbC. This data obliges us to rethink the growth population parameters in the Paleolithic, which is crucial to understanding the survival of both MtbC and humans, and to decipher the nature of human female resistance against TB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Tumor-associated neutrophils (TANs) are part of the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) and may contribute to gastric cancer (GC) biology. We hypothesized that TAN are enriched in the TIME, show sex-specific differences, and correlate with patient outcome. Methods: We analyzed the distribution and putative tumor biological significance of TANs in a well-characterized, therapy-naïve, European GC cohort using immunohistochemical staining of myeloperoxidase (MPO), and digital image analysis using Definiens Tissue Studio®. Results: Different tumor compartments were examined, and TAN densities were correlated with various clinicopathological patient characteristics. TAN density showed a large interindividual variability ranging from 0 to 6711.0 TANs/mm2. Intratumoral distribution patterns were inhomogeneous (tumor surface vs. tumor center vs. invasion front) and correlated significantly with Laurén phenotype, tumor grade, and microsatellite status in the tumor center and invasion front. In the multivariate analysis, TAN density in the invasion front was an independent predictor of tumor-specific survival only for women (HR = 2.77, p < 0.001). In men, no correlation was found between TAN density and survival. Conclusion: With regard to TANs, our study independently validates sexual dimorphism in GC biology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Introduction: Offspring born to preeclamptic mothers are prone to obesity, diabetes, and hypertension in later life, but still, studies investigating the underlying mechanism are still limited. Here, we aimed to investigate the impact of the reduced uteroplacental perfusion (RUPP) rat preeclampsia model on offspring metabolic outcomes. Methods and Materials: Timed pregnant Wistar rats underwent RUPP or sham surgeries on day 14 of gestation. Glucometabolic parameters were evaluated on postnatal days (PND), 14 (childhood), and 60 (young adult). In addition, intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test (IPGTT), homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMAIR), immunohistochemical staining for insulin in pancreatic islets, arterial blood pressure and 24-h urine protein (24hUP) excretion were performed at PND60. Results: Male, but not female, young adult rats (PND60) of RUPP dams exhibited an impaired IPGTT, decreased circulatory insulin, and weakened pancreatic insulin immunoreactivity. Compared to the male offspring of the sham group, the body mass of male RUPP offspring significantly caught up after PND42, but it was not sex-specific. RUPP pups also exhibited upregulations in glucagon (only males) and ghrelin (both sexes with a more significant increase in males) during PND14–PND60. However, in sham offspring (both sexes), glucagon levels were downregulated and ghrelin levels were unchanged during PND14–PND60. The blood pressure, HOMA-IR, and 24hUP values did not alter in RUPP pups. Conclusions: The overall results suggest that maternal RUPP has negative and sex-specific impacts on insulin, glucagon, and ghrelin regulations in offspring and that, as young adults, male RUPP rats may be more prone to develop obesity and diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review article focuses on the mechanisms underlying temperature adaptation and virulence of the etiologic agents of blastomycosis, Blastomyces dermatitidis, Blastomyces gilchristii, and Blastomyces percursus. In response to temperature, Blastomyces undergoes a reversible morphologic switch between hyphae and yeast known as the phase transition. The conversion to yeast for Blastomyces and related thermally dimorphic fungi is essential for virulence. In the yeast phase, Blastomyces upregulates the essential virulence factor, BAD1, which promotes attachment to host cells, impairs activation of immune cells, and blunts cytokine release. Blastomyces yeast also secrete dipeptidyl-peptidase IVA (DPPIVA), a serine protease that blunts the action of cytokines released from host immune cells. In vivo transcriptional profiling of Blastomyces yeast has uncovered genes such as PRA1 and ZRT1 involved in zinc scavenging that contribute to virulence during murine pulmonary infection. The discovery and characterization of genes important for virulence has led to advances at the bedside regarding novel diagnostics, vaccine development, and new targets for drug discovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Military personnel don body borne loads that produce maladaptive lower limb biomechanics, increasing risk of musculoskeletal injury during common training tasks. Female personnel have over twice the injury risk as males, but it is unknown if a sex dimorphism in lower limb biomechanics exists during common training-related tasks.Research Question: To determine whether lower limb biomechanics exhibited during a single-leg cut with military body borne loads differ between sexes.Methods: Sixteen females and 20 males had lower limb biomechanics quantified during five single-leg cuts off each limb with four loads (20, 25, 30 and 35 kg). Each cut required participants run 4 m/s, before planting their foot on a force platform and cut 45° towards the opposite limb. Lower limb biomechanics related to musculoskeletal injury were submitted to a repeated measures ANOVA to test for main and interaction effects of load, sex, and limb.Results: During the cut, load increased peak proximal anterior tibial shear force (p < 0.001) and peak hip flexion (p = 0.010) and knee abduction (p = 0.045) moments, but decreased peak knee flexion angle (p = 0.032). Females exhibited greater peak proximal anterior tibial shear (p = 0.014), and peak hip adduction (p < 0.001) and knee external rotation (p = 0.001) moment than males. Dominant limb exhibited larger peak hip adduction (p = 0.002); whereas, the non-dominant limb exhibited greater peak hip internal (p = 0.002) and knee external (p = 0.007) rotation moments. Only the non-dominant limb increased peak knee abduction moment (p = 0.001) with additional load.Significance: During the cut, adding body borne load produced maladaptive biomechanics that may increase knee musculoskeletal injury risk. Load increased peak proximal tibial shear and potential strain of knee's soft-tissues. Females exhibited a sex dimorphism in lower limb biomechanics that may further elevate their injury risk. Both limbs exhibited biomechanics that may increase injury risk, but only the non-dominant limb further increased injury risk with load. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The agenesis of one or both upper thyroid horns (UTH) cannot be considered rare with an incidence ranging between 0.8-9.4%. Studies so far have mostly described frequencies, yet surveys on its morphology and traumatology are missing. It is unknown to what extent this anatomical variant impacts the overall symmetry of the larynx. For the trauma reconstruction after cervical trauma this knowledge is required as an asymmetric larynx can show a different fracture pattern. In this investigation, larynxes with unilateral (n=21)/bilateral (n=5) agenesis of the upper thyroid horn(s) and a control group with regular larynxes (n=23) were juxtaposed. Various measurements were taken after μ-CT scanning. In total 10 distances/angles for the thyroid cartilage and 8 for the cricoid cartilage were compared. Using intra-individual and matched pair comparisons the symmetry was assessed. The results of this investigation showed significant differences in the intra-individual and pairwise comparison for the opening angle and the length of the thyroid alae although the lateral inclination of the thyroid alae showed no significant difference. Combining these three parameters into one symmetry score, the comparison was not significant. This research demonstrates that neither unilateral nor bilateral agenesis of the UTH is related to a structural disbalance of the larynx. Thus, different fracture patterns or vulnerabilities are not to be expected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The South African Cape fynbos heath Erica coccinea subsp. coccinea is polymorphic for post-fire regeneration mode (seeder/resprouter), flower colour (red/yellow), flowering time (summer-autumn/winter-spring), as well as anther size. These polymorphisms tend to occur between, rather than within, populations. Here, we aimed to understand flower colour divergence in this fynbos heath species and its association with post-fire regeneration. We tested for an association between these polymorphisms. We also examined whether yellow-flowered plants lacked anthocyanins and whether the lack of anthocyanins affected the concentration of other flavonoids, both in flowers and shoots. We found a strong association between flower colour, regeneration mode and flowering phenology. We also detected larger anthers and larger pollen in yellow- than in red-flowered plants, consistently for both resprouter and seeder regeneration strategies. Finally, we ascertained that being yellow-flowered is associated with loss in the capacity of synthesizing anthocyanins in both the flower and in the vegetative tissue. Considering that pollinator availability or preferences do probably not constitute a selection pressure, we propose that both enhanced reproductive success of anthocyaninless, yellow-flowered plants and the avoidance of likely negative pleiotropic effects (early senescence) in seeders would be key to understanding the flower colour divergence in E. coccinea subsp. coccinea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Phenotypic plasticity is a common and highly adaptive phenomenon where the same genotype produces different phenotypes in response to environmental cues. Sogatella furcifera, a migratory pest of rice exhibits wing dimorphism, is a model insect for studying phenotypic plasticity of wing size. The Insullin-PI3K-Akt-FOXO signaling pathway plays a crucial role in the manipulation of wing size in the migratory insects. However, the regulatory mechanism via the pathway involved in wing dimorphism are still unexplored. Results: Accompanied by special alternative splicing, genes involved in muscle contraction and energy metabolism were highly expressed in the wing hinges of macropters, demonstrating their adaptation for energy-demanding long-distance flights. Based on FOXO ChIP-Seq analysis, a total of 1259 putative target genes were observed in the wing hinges, including wing morph development, flight muscle and energy metabolism genes. An integrated gene interaction network was built by combining four heterogeneous datasets, and the IIS-PI3K-Akt-FOXO pathway was clustered in a divided functional module. In total, 45 genes in the module directly interacting with the IIS-PI3K-Akt-FOXO pathway showed differential expression levels between the two wing hinges, thus are regarded as potential Insulin pathway mediated wing dimorphism related genes (IWDRGs). Of the 45 IWDRGs, 5 were selected for verification by gene knockdown experiments, and played significant roles in the insect wing size regulation. Conclusions: We provided valuable insights on the genetic basis of wing dimorphism, and also demonstrated that network analysis is a powerful approach to identify new genes regulating wing dimorphic development via insulin signaling pathway in the migratory insect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The objectives of the study were to determine the soft tissue norms of non-growing adults of Pakistani origin and to assess any gender dimorphism in the soft tissue profile. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on the lateral cephalograms of esthetically pleasing profiles of 70 undergraduate students aged 19-24 years of Dr. Ishrat ul Ebad Khan Institute of Oral Health Sciences. Several soft tissue linear and angular measurements of upper and lower lips, nose, and chin were carried out on lateral cephalogram. An independent sample t- test was used to compare cephalometric variables between genders. Results were taken significant atp-value ≤ 0.05. Results: Among the linear parameters, we found significant differences in upper lip length (p <0.001), thickness (p <0.001), prominence (p = 0.03), strain {p <0.001), sulcus depth (p = 0.01) and S plane to upper lip (p = 0.02). The lower lip linear parameters showed significant differences in E (p = 0.02) and S planes (p = 0.01), and H line (p <0.001). Among the angular parameters, we found statistically significant differences in the Z (p <0.001), H line (p = 0.01), angle of facial convexity (p <0.001), nasofacial (p = 0.04), nasomental (p = 0.05) and nasolabial angles (p <0.001). Conclusions: Males showed more prominent upper and lower lips, decreased prominence of nasal tip and increased soft tissue chin thickness as compared to females. Significant differences were found in various angular parameters among males and females. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]