Dynamics of a goshawk population across half a century is driven by the variation of first-year survival.

Population dynamics are driven by stochastic and density-dependent processes acting on demographic rates. Individuals differ demographically, and to capture these differences, models of population dynamics are usually structured by age and stage, rarely by sex. An effect of sex on population dynamics is expected if the dynamics of males and females differ, requiring an unequal sex ratio at birth and/or sex-specific survival probabilities. Goshawks (Accipiter gentilis) show large sexual size dimorphism and differential survival, but it is unknown whether males and females contribute differently to population dynamics. We studied a goshawk population in northern Germany over 47 years using brood monitoring data, collected feathers and nestling ringing data. We jointly analyzed the data using a two-sex integrated population model and performed retrospective and prospective population analyses to understand whether the demographic drivers of population change differ between the sexes. The population showed large fluctuations, during which the number of breeding pairs doubled, but the long-term trend of the population was slightly negative. Female survival exceeded male survival during the first year of life. Females started to reproduce at a younger age than males, productivity increased with female age, the sex ratio of nestlings was male biased and there was moderate male immigration. Despite these differences, temporal variation in sex ratio did not contribute to population dynamics and the contribution of temporal variation in survival was similar for both sexes. Variation in first-year survival was the strongest driver in this population, regulated by a weak density-dependent feedback acting through female first-year survival. Overall, the contributions of the two sexes to population dynamics were similar in this monogamous species with strong sexual size dimorphism.

Negative and sex-specific effects of drought on flower production, resources and pollinator visitation, but not on floral scent in monoecious Cucurbita pepo.

The globally changing climatic condition is increasing the incidences of drought in several parts of the world. This is predicted and already shown to not only impact plant growth and flower development, but also plant-pollinator interactions and the pollination success of entomophilous plants. However, there is a large gap in our understanding of how drought affects the different flowers and pollen transfer among flowers in sexually polymorphic species. Here, we evaluated in monoecious Styrian oil pumpkin, and separately for female and male flowers, the responses of drought stress on flower production, petal size, nectar, floral scent and visitation by bumblebee pollinators. Drought stress adversely affected all floral traits studied, except floral scent. Although both flower sexes were adversely affected by drought stress, the effects were more severe on female flowers, with most of the female flowers even aborted before opening. The drought had negative effects on floral visitation by the pollinators, which generally preferred female flowers. Overall, our study highlights that the two flower sexes of a monoecious plant species are differently affected by drought stress and calls for further investigations to better understand the cues used by the pollinators to discriminate against male flowers and against flowers of drought-stressed plants.

The common pathogenesis of nodular goiter in both sexes: An exploration into gene expression and signaling pathways.

The past few years have witnessed an increasing incidence of nodular goiter (NG), with a well-documented higher prevalence in females than males. This gender disparity has led research to focus primarily on female subjects, potentially overlooking common pathogenic mechanisms in both sexes. In this study, we investigated the shared pathogenesis of NG in males and females. Utilizing a rat model and RNA sequencing, we identified differentially expressed genes associated with the disease. We further validated these findings in normal human thyroid cells and human papillary thyroid cancer cells. A randomized experiment was conducted with equal numbers of male and female rats divided into control and NG model groups. The NG model was established using propylthiouracil and various assessments such as thyroid ultrasonography, thyroid index, thyroid function, and thyroid histology were performed. Transcriptome analysis revealed numerous upregulated and downregulated genes in both male and female model groups. Key genes like KDR, FLT1, PDGFB, and CAV1, and pathways including PI3K-Akt, MAPK, Ras, fluid shear stress and atherosclerosis, calcium signaling, and Rap1 signaling pathways were linked with the disease. Western blot and immunofluorescence analysis confirmed these findings, which were further supported by cell-based experiments. In conclusion, our findings suggest that abnormal expression of specific genes and pathways leading to irregular cell growth, blood vessel formation, and inflammation may be common factors in the pathogenesis of NG in both males and females.

Human milk proteins differentiate over the sex of newborns and across stages of lactation.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Human milk (HM) is a complete food that meets the nutritional and energy demands of the newborns. It contains numerous bioactive components, including functional proteins. Variations in HM energy and lipid content have already been reported related to the newborn's sex, but differences between protein profiles are still scarce. This work aimed to identify differences between HM proteins produced by mothers of female and male newborns, in the lactation stages of colostrum and mature milk, and the metabolic pathways involved. METHODS: A total of 98 HM samples were collected from 39 lactating women and classified according to the newborn's sex, stages of lactation, and three mothers' age groups, and evaluated about protein concentration and one-dimensional electrophoretic profile. Next, to assess samples with the greatest differences, the HM proteins regarding the newborn's sex and the stages of lactation were compared using nano-LC-MS/MS, in 24 HM samples randomly rearranged into four groups: female and male infants, and colostrum and mature milk. Functional classification, metabolic pathways, and protein interaction networks were analyzed by Gene Ontology, KEGG, and STRING, respectively. RESULTS: The soluble protein content of HM decreased throughout lactation, with differences regarding isolated factors, such as mothers' age group, child's sex and stages of lactation, and also in terms of their interactions. A total of 146 proteins were identified, 42 of which showed different abundances over the sexes of newborns and 53 between the stages of lactation. In general, proteins related to metabolic processes were up-regulated for mothers of male infants and in the mature stage of lactation, while proteins related to defense were up-regulated in mothers of female infants and in the colostrum phase. CONCLUSION: This study indicated that there are differentiated and specific nutritional and defense needs of newborns, by sex and by lactation phase, which is highly relevant for a more appropriate supply of food to infants receiving HM from donor mothers.

Association Between Preeclampsia and Blood Pressure in Offspring: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Pregnancy-induced preeclampsia is a severe pregnancy complication and preeclampsia has been associated with an increased risk of chronic hypertension for offspring. However, the magnitude of the overall effect of exposure to preeclampsia in pregnancy on blood pressure (BP) in offspring is unknown. This systematic review and meta-analysis was sought to systematically assess the effects of preeclampsia on the BP of the offspring. RECENT FINDINGS: Of 2550 publications identified, 23 studies were included. The meta-analysis indicated that preeclampsia increases the potential risk of hypertension in offspring. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was 2.0 mm Hg (95% CI: 1.2, 2.8) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was 1.4 mm Hg (95% CI: 0.9, 1.9) higher in offspring exposed to pre-eclampsia in utero, compared to those born to normotensive mothers. The correlations were similar in stratified analyses of children and adolescents by sex, geographic area, ages, and gestational age. During childhood and young adulthood, the offspring of pregnant women with preeclampsia are at an increased risk of high BP. It is crucial to monitor their BP.

A Homozygous Missense Variant in HSD17B4 Identified in Two Different Families.

Background: Perrault syndrome is an inherited disorder with clinical findings that differ according to sex. It is characterized by a variable age of onset and sensorineural hearing loss in both sexes, as well as ovarian dysfunction in females with a 46,XX karyotype. Although it is a rare autosomal recessive syndrome, with approximately 100 affected individuals reported in the literature, it shows both genotypic and phenotypic variations. Mutations in the HSD17B4 gene have been identified as one of the genetic causes of Perrault syndrome. Case Presentation: A female case and a male case from two different unrelated families with a new variant in the HSD17B4 gene, which were not previously described in the literature and were accompanied by hearing loss, skeletal anomalies, and neurological symptoms, were presented. Conclusion: We defined Perrault syndrome cases in Turkey caused by a novel mutation in HSD17B4. Whole-exome sequencing is a useful diagnostic technique with varying clinical results due to genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity.

Yeast sexes: mating types do not determine the sexes in Metschnikowia species.

Although filamentous Ascomycetes may produce structures that are interpreted as male and female gametangia, ascomycetous yeasts are generally not considered to possess male and female sexes. In haplontic yeasts of the genus Metschnikowia, the sexual cycle begins with the fusion of two morphologically identical cells of complementary mating types. Soon after conjugation, a protuberance emerges from one of the conjugants, eventually maturing into an ascus. The originating cell can be regarded as an ascus mother cell, hence as female. We tested the hypothesis that the sexes, female or male, are determined by the mating types. There were good reasons to hypothesize further that mating type α cells are male. In a conceptually simple experiment, we observed the early stages of the mating reaction of mating types differentially labeled with fluorescent concanavalin A conjugates. Three large-spored Metschnikowia species, M. amazonensis, M. continentalis, and M. matae, were examined. In all three, the sexes were found to be independent of mating type, cautioning that the two terms should not be used interchangeably.

Sex differences in pain catastrophizing and its relation to the transition from acute pain to chronic pain.

BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE: Differences exist between sexes in pain and pain-related outcomes, such as development of chronic pain. Previous studies suggested a higher risk for pain chronification in female patients. Furthermore, pain catastrophizing is an important risk factor for chronification of pain. However, it is unclear whether sex differences in catastrophic thinking could explain the sex differences in pain chronification. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to examine sex differences in pain catastrophizing. Additionally, we investigated pain catastrophizing as a potential mediator of sex differences in the transition of acute to chronic pain. DESIGN, SETTINGS AND PARTICIPANTS: Adults visiting one of the 15 participating emergency departments in the Netherlands with acute pain-related complaints. Subjects had to meet inclusion criteria and complete questionnaires about their health and pain. OUTCOMES MEASURE AND ANALYSIS: The outcomes in this prospective cohort study were pain catastrophizing (short form pain catastrophizing) and pain chronification at 90 days (Numeric Rating Scale ≥ 1). Data was analysed using univariate and multivariable logistic regression models. Finally, stratified regression analyses were conducted to assess whether differences in pain catastrophizing accounted for observed differences in pain chronification between sexes. MAIN RESULTS: In total 1,906 patients were included. Females catastrophized pain significantly more than males (p < 0.001). Multiple regression analyses suggested that pain catastrophizing is associated with pain chronification in both sexes. CONCLUSIONS: This study reported differences between sexes in catastrophic cognitions in the development of chronic pain. This is possibly of clinical importance to identify high-risk patients and ensure an early intervention to prevent the transition from acute to chronic pain.

"I am the doctor": gender-based bias within the clinical practice of emergency medicine in Canada-a thematic analysis of physician and trainee interview data.

OBJECTIVES: While women comprise about half of current Canadian medical students and physicians, only 31% of emergency medicine physicians identify as women and women trainees are less likely to express interest in emergency medicine compared to men. Gender-based bias continues to negatively impact the career choice, progress, and well-being of women physicians/trainees. Although instances of gender-based bias are well documented within other medical specialties, there remains a gap in the literature addressing the role of gender specific to the Canadian emergency medicine clinical environment. METHODS: Using a qualitative study with a thematic analytical approach, participants were purposively and snowball sampled from a cross-section of centers across Canada and included emergency medicine attending physicians and trainees. A thematic analysis using an inductive and deductive approach was undertaken. All data were double coded to improve study trustworthiness. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the study population. RESULTS: Thirty-four individuals (17 woman-identifying and 17 man-identifying) from 10 different institutions across 4 provinces in Canada participated in the study. Six themes were identified: (1) women experience gender bias in the form of microaggressions; (2) women experience imposter syndrome and question their role in the clinical setting; (3) more women provide patient care to women patients and vulnerable populations; (4) gender-related challenges with family planning and home responsibilities affect work-life balance; (5) allyship and sponsorship are important for the support and development of women physicians and trainees; and (6) women value discussing shared experiences with other women to debrief situations, find mentorship, and share advice. CONCLUSIONS: Gender inequity in emergency medicine affects women-identifying providers at all levels of training across Canada. Described experiences support several avenues to implement change against perceived gender bias that is focused on education, policy, and supportive spaces. We encourage institutions to consider these recommendations to achieve gender-equitable conditions in emergency medicine across Canada.

ABSTRAIT: OBJECTIFS: Bien que les femmes représentent environ la moitié des étudiants et des médecins en médecine au Canada, seulement 31 % des médecins d'urgence qui s'identifient comme des femmes et des femmes stagiaires sont moins susceptibles d'exprimer leur intérêt pour la médecine d'urgence que les hommes. Les préjugés fondés sur le sexe continuent d'avoir une incidence négative sur le choix de carrière, les progrès et le bien-être des femmes médecins/stagiaires. Bien que les cas de biais fondés sur le sexe soient bien documentés dans d'autres spécialités médicales, il reste une lacune dans la documentation traitant du rôle du sexe propre au milieu clinique de la médecine d'urgence au Canada. MéTHODES: À l'aide d'une étude qualitative avec une approche analytique thématique, les participants ont été échantillonnés à dessein et en boule de neige dans un échantillon représentatif de centres à travers le Canada et comprenaient des médecins urgentistes et des stagiaires. Une analyse thématique utilisant une approche inductive et déductive a été entreprise. Toutes les données ont été codées en double pour améliorer la fiabilité de l'étude. Des statistiques descriptives ont été utilisées pour caractériser la population étudiée. RéSULTATS: Trente-quatre personnes (17 femmes et 17 hommes) de 10 établissements différents de quatre provinces canadiennes ont participé à l'étude. Six thèmes ont été cernés : (1) les femmes sont victimes de préjugés sexistes sous la forme de microagressions; (2) les femmes sont victimes du syndrome d'imposteur et remettent en question leur rôle dans le milieu clinique; (3) plus de femmes prodiguent des soins aux patientes et aux populations vulnérables; (4) les défis liés au genre que posent la planification familiale et les responsabilités familiales ont une incidence sur l'équilibre entre le travail et la vie personnelle; (5) l'alliance et le parrainage sont importants pour le soutien et le perfectionnement des femmes médecins et stagiaires; (6) les femmes apprécient de discuter des expériences partagées avec d'autres femmes pour faire le point sur des situations, trouver du mentorat et partager des conseils. CONCLUSIONS: L'inégalité entre les sexes en médecine d'urgence touche les fournisseurs de soins qui identifient les femmes à tous les niveaux de formation au Canada. Les expériences décrites appuient plusieurs avenues pour mettre en œuvre des changements contre les préjugés sexistes perçus qui sont axés sur l'éducation, les politiques et les espaces de soutien. Nous encourageons les établissements à tenir compte de ces recommandations afin de parvenir à des conditions équitables entre les sexes en médecine d'urgence partout au Canada.

Relationship between physical activity and risk of depression in a married group.

BACKGROUND: Currently, there are many different findings on the relationship between physical activity and depression, and there may be differences between genders. This study therefore focused on gender differences to understand the relationship between physical activity behaviour and the risk of depression in married individuals. METHODS: 15607 married people in the China Family Panel Studies 2020 (CFPS 2020) were used to understand the relationship between physical activity and depression risk in different populations, and the chi-square test, Mann-Whitney U-test, and binary logistic regression were used to explore the relationship between physical activity and depression risk in the married population. RESULTS: 527 (6.64%) women were at high risk of depression and 365 (4.76%) men were at high risk of depression; physical activity was associated with the risk of depression in the married population, but after incorporating demographic and relevant cognitive variables, physical activity was negatively associated with the risk of depression in women (OR = 0.94, P < 0.01) but not statistically significant with the risk of depression in men (OR = 0.96, P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Physical activity was directly related to the risk of depression in married women, but not in married men.

Pollen analysis reveals the effects of uncovered interactions, pollen-carrying structures, and pollinator sex on the structure of wild bee-plant networks.

Pollination networks are increasingly used to model the complexity of interactions between pollinators and flowering plants in communities. Different methods exist to sample these interactions, with direct observations of plant-pollinator contacts in the field being by far the most common. Although the identification of pollen carried by pollinators allows uncovering interactions and increasing sample sizes, the methods used to build pollen-transport networks are variable and their effect on network structure remains unclear. To understand how interaction sampling influences the structure of networks, we analyzed the pollen found on wild bees from eight communities across Mallorca Island and investigated the differences in pollen loads between bee body parts (scopa vs. body) and sexes. We then assessed how these differences, as well as the uncovered interactions not detected in the field, influenced the structure of wild bee-plant networks. We identified a higher quantity and diversity of pollen in the scopa than in the rest of the female body, but these differences did not lead to differences in structure between plant-pollination (excluding scopa pollen) and bee-feeding interaction (including scopa pollen) networks. However, networks built with pollen data were richer in plant species and interactions and showed lower modularity and specialization (H2 '), and higher nestedness than visitation networks based on field observations. Female interactions with plants were stronger compared to those of males, although not richer. Accordingly, females were more generalist (low d') and tended to be more central in interaction networks, indicating their more key role structuring pollination networks in comparison to males. Our study highlights the importance of palynological data to increase the resolution of networks, as well as to understand important ecological questions such as the differences between plant-pollination and bee-feeding interaction networks, and the role of sexes in pollination.

Thinking Childbirth from an Emancipatory Perspective? Phenomenology and Psychoanalysis.

Feminist thought, despite the importance of its work, has not resolved the phenomenon of women's subordination in the care and education of children, and in society as a whole. Meanwhile, we are witnessing a gradual but continuous process of disconnection between women's bodies and subjectivity, and the conception, pregnancy and birth of children, due to developments in reproductive techniques. Considering this paradoxical tension, the author proposes to return to the very place where this subordination and anticipated rupture occur, to consider whether mothers could find there both the means to reclaim their childbirth experiences and potential levers for emancipation and rebirth, on both a personal and societal level. To this end, she describes, from the point of view of a singular woman, and from an emancipatory perspective, the phenomenological and psychoanalytical itinerary of childbirth by which this woman, in becoming a mother, is born to herself by giving birth to her child. By co-constituting the universal meaning of childbirth and becoming a philosophical mother, this singular woman operates a real paradigm shift in our representations of the mother and the metaphysical structure of the sexes.

Les pensées féministes, malgré l'importance de leurs travaux, ne sont pas venues à bout du phénomène de la subordination des femmes dans les tâches de soin et d'éducation des enfants, et dans l'ensemble de la société. Dans le même temps, nous assistons à un processus progressif mais continu de rupture entre le corps et la subjectivité des femmes, et la conception, la grossesse et la naissance des enfants, en raison des développements des techniques reproductives. Considérant cette tension paradoxale, l'autrice propose de revenir à l'endroit même où s'exercent cette subordination en même temps que cette rupture annoncée afin de considérer si les femmes mères ne pourraient pas y trouver, à la fois, des moyens de se réapproprier leurs enfantements et des leviers potentiels d'émancipation et de renaissance, sur le plan personnel comme sociétal. À cette fin, elle décrit, du point de vue d'une femme singulière, et dans une perspective émancipatrice, l'itinéraire phénoménologique et psychanalytique de l'enfantement par lequel cette femme devenant mère naît à soi-même en donnant naissance à son enfant. En co-constituant le sens universel de l'enfantement et son devenir mère philosophe, cette femme singulière opère un véritable changement de paradigme de nos représentations de la mère et de la structure métaphysique des sexes.

El pensamiento feminista, a pesar de su importancia, aún debe superar el fenómeno de la subordinación de las mujeres en las tareas de cuidado y crianza de los hijos, y en la sociedad en su conjunto. Al mismo tiempo, asistimos a un proceso gradual pero continuo de ruptura entre el cuerpo y la subjetividad de las mujeres, y la concepción, el embarazo y el nacimiento de los hijos, debido al desarrollo de las técnicas reproductivas. Teniendo en cuenta esta tensión paradójica, la autora propone volver al lugar mismo donde se producen esta subordinación y esta ruptura para considerar si las mujeres madres no podrían encontrar allí, al mismo tiempo, algunos medios de reivindicación del parto e instrumentos potenciales de emancipación y de renacimiento, tanto a nivel personal como a nivel social. Para ello, describe, desde el punto de vista de una mujer singular, y desde una perspectiva emancipadora, el itinerario fenomenológico y psicoanalítico del parto por el que esta mujer, al convertirse en madre, nace a sí misma al dar a luz a su hijo. Al co-constituir el sentido universal del parto y convertirse en madre filosófica, esta mujer singular opera un verdadero cambio de paradigma en nuestras representaciones de la madre y de la estructura metafísica de los sexos.

Comparative Quality Traits, Flavor Compounds, and Metabolite Profile of Korean Native Black Goat Meat.

Although goat meat has several health benefits than other red meats but comsumers reluctant it due to its unpleasant flavor. This study aimed to investigate the odorant of goat meat as well as compare the quality traits of meat regarding sex status. The loin meats [non-castrated male (NCM), castrated male (CM), and female (FM)] were collected and stored at 4°C in a laboratory refrigerator and analyzed on the 1st, 5th, and 8th consecutive days. The moisture content was the lowest and the protein content was highest in FM (p<0.05). Fat and ash content in NCM and FM were similar while lowest in CM. The CIE L* was significantly higher in NCM, but there were no significant differences of CIE a* and CIE b* within groups at initial day. The color intensity increased on the 5th storage day and decreased again after the 8th storage day, except in NCM. NCM displayed the highest thiobarbituric acid reactive substances value (p<0.05), whereas CM displayed a higher pH value than other groups throughout the storage period. Indole levels were the highest in NCM (0.031 mg/kg); however, skatole levels were not significant differences across all treatments (p>0.05). No significant difference was observed in the fatty acid composition between NCM and CM (p>0.05), whereas a significant difference was observed in FM (p<0.05). Most of the water-soluble metabolites showed significant differences between sexes. Overall, sex status effects on quality properties of meat and castration can improve the overall sensory acceptance by reducing goaty flavor of Korean native black goat meat.

Enumerating rights: more is not always better.

Contemporary political and policy debate rhetoric increasingly employs the language of 'rights': how they are assigned and what entitlements individuals in a society are due. While the obvious constitution design issues surround how rights enumeration affects the relationship between a government and its citizens, we instead analyze how rights framing impacts how citizens interact with each other. We design and implement a novel experiment to test whether social cooperation depends on the enumeration and positive or negative framing of the right of subjects to take a particular action. We find that when rights are framed positively, there exists an 'entitlement effect' that reduces social cooperation levels and crowds-out the tendency of individuals to act pro-socially.

Sex-specific gene expression patterns in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas.

Objective: The head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) have higher incidence rates in men, but the reasons are still obscure. This study aimed to investigate the sex-specific gene expression patterns and predict the regulatory mechanisms. Design: Data including clinical, survival, RNA-seq, miRNA, and methylation information were derived from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). A total of 131 paired male and female cases were included based on propensity score matching. We concentrated on the prognostic values of the sex-specific pathways enriched by differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and predicted the potential regulatory mechanisms from immune cell infiltration, ceRNA regulatory network, methylation, and differential coexpression analysis. Results: Compared with females, males exhibited a lower activity of immune-related functions and higher activities of mitochondrial and ubiquitination functions. The pathway activities were associated with the prognosis of males but less relevant to females. We extracted eight pathways with sex-biased survival patterns, of which five were about down-regulated immune functions, and three were up-regulated pathways (GTP biosynthetic, DNA polymerase, and spliceosomal complex assembly). The five immune pathways were moderately or strongly correlated with the proportion of macrophages. We identified six over-expressed lncRNAs that might be involved in the regulation of the three up-regulated pathways. These lncRNAs exhibited a lower methylation density in males, which might account for their over-expression. Conclusions: For HNSCCs, males were characterized by immunosuppression. It was a sign of unfavorable prognosis and might be associated the proportion of macrophages. LncRNAs and methylation might be involved in the regulation of these pathways.

Persistent and sex-independent effects of decreased calcium concentration inhibiting morphological defense of Daphnia: Evidences from morphological traits and expression of the associated genes.

The continuous decline in calcium concentration in freshwater as a widespread environmental stress can have complex effects on the interspecific relationships of organisms, such as interference with the anti-predation defenses of Daphnia with high calcium demand. The natural population of Daphnia includes individuals with different developmental stages and sexes. Here, we measured the effects of decreased calcium concentration on morphological defense of Daphnia after different numbers of molts or under various sexes and the expression of genes related to signal recognition, carapace formation, reproductive allocation, and stress defense. Results showed that decreased Ca concentration resulted in the altered effects of fish kairomone on the change rates of body size, change rates of spine length, and change rates of relative spine length disappear. Furthermore, male Daphnia also developed morphological defense under fish predation risk, which was also inhibited by decreased Ca concentration, but no significant difference was observed in the intensity of induced defense between male and female Daphnia at low Ca concentrations. Importantly, decreased Ca concentrations did not alter the increase in expressions of genes related to neural signaling by fish kairomone. Fish kairomone promoted the expression of reproduction-related genes, whereas decreased Ca concentration inhibited their expression. Fish kairomone altered the expression of carapace-related genes, but most were disturbed by decreased Ca concentration. Decreased Ca concentration inhibited the increased expression of stress defense-related genes by fish kairomone. This study contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of the effects of environmental changes on interspecific relationships among aquatic organisms of different developmental stages and different sexes.

Rapid evolution of sex role specialization in a hermaphrodite under sex-limited selection.

The evolution of separate sexes from hermaphroditism is thought to have occurred independently many times, and may be linked to the evolution of sex chromosomes. Even though we have a good understanding of the theoretical steps in the evolution of sex chromosomes from a hermaphrodite ancestor, the initial stages are still hard to study in animals because many well-studied animal sex chromosome systems are old. We addressed this problem by experimentally selecting a hermaphrodite via sex-limited experimental evolution for several generations, simulating the early stages in the evolution of a sex chromosome. After 14 generations, a fitness assay revealed evidence of incipient sex role specialization in the female-selected lines, presumably reflecting the release from constraints usually imposed by selection on the other sex role. Importantly, however, this was not simply explained by morphology because testis and ovary sizes did not diverge among treatments. There was no evidence of a change in the male-selected lines. Our study shows that sex role specialization can occur rapidly as a result of sex-limited selection, which is consistent with genetic constraints between sex roles, and in line with the first predicted steps toward the evolution of a new sex chromosome system.

Evolutionary biologists have developed detailed theories which attempt to explain the evolution of sex chromosomes and separate sexes. Unfortunately, testing these theories can be challenging, since most of the best-studied sex chromosome systems are many millions of years old. This makes it difficult to disentangle cause and effect during sex chromosome evolution. In this study, we have tried to re-create the origin of sex chromosome and separate sexes from a hermaphroditic ancestor within the laboratory. Our aim was to better understand early sex chromosome evolution in real time. For this, we carried out experimental evolution in the simultaneously hermaphroditic flatworm Macrostomum lignano. When it mates, this species both receives sperm from the partner, and donates sperm back. We developed a genetic marker-based selection protocol which allowed us to restrict the worms' reproduction, so that the male-selected lines could only produce offspring through sperm, and the female-selected lines could only produce offspring through eggs. After 14 generations of selection, we found that individuals from the female-selected lines became better at laying eggs, but worse at fertilizing their partners. However, the difference did not seem to be explained by changes in gonad size, since there were no differences between male- and female-selected worms in testes or ovary size. These results show that sexual specialization may be possible to evolve on surprisingly short time scales.

A comparison between young males and females with anorexia nervosa in a clinical setting.

BACKGROUND: Knowledge of eating disorders in young and adolescent males is sparse. AIM: To investigate clinical presentations in males and females with anorexia nervosa (AN). METHODS: Using a retrospective case-control design, data were collected from case records for 41 males diagnosed with AN. Data for a comparison group of 41 females with AN were collected, matched to the males by age and date at admission. The collected data covered demographic, medical, psychiatric, and treatment information. RESULTS: No differences were found between the sexes in the percentage of expected weight (%EBW) at admission or discharge, or in psychiatric comorbidity. Treatment duration was equal for both sexes, but males received fewer treatment sessions than did females. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that the clinical presentations of young males and females with AN were very similar in terms of clinical characteristics.Impact StatementWhat is already known about this subject? Research on AN in male children and adolescents is sparse. Previous studies comparing male and female patients with EDs have found both differences and similarities between sexes.What does this study add? This study found few differences in terms of clinical presentation of AN between the sexes.

Sex differences in patients' recovery following an acute Achilles tendon rupture - a large cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: The incidence of Achilles tendon ruptures (ATR) has increased over the past few decades. Treatment may be individualised based upon multiple factors including age, pre-injury activity level and the separation of the ruptured tendon ends. Several studies indicate that women may have a poorer self-reported and clinical outcome compared with men, but the number of women in these studies is often small due to the different incidence of ATR between the genders. AIMS: The primary aim of this study was to evaluate whether there is a difference in self-reported outcome after an acute ATR between women and men at one to five years following injury. The second aim was to compare the outcome between the surgically and non-surgically treated patients. METHODS: Data were obtained from the medical charts of patients treated for an acute ATR between 1 and 2015 and 31 December 2020 at Sahlgrenska University Hospital/Mölndal. The Achilles tendon total rupture score (ATRS) and additional questions relating to treatment and recovery were determined. A multiple regression analysis was performed to isolate the impact of sex when comparing the patient-reported outcome between women and men. RESULTS: A total of 856 patients were included of which 66% participated prospectively. Sex, BMI and age were found to be significant factors influencing the total ATRS score. Female gender resulted in a lower ATRS, 7.8 points (CI = 3.3 to 12.3), than male gender. It was found that treatment did not significantly predict the results of the ATRS. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this is the first report with a larger number of women included showing that female sex predicts inferior self-reported results after an acute ATR.

Should I Stay or Should I Go? Behavioral Acts That Negatively Affect Relationships' Prospects.

Intimate relationships are not easy to keep as the high rates of divorce and singlehood testify. The current research aimed to examine the behavioral acts which are likely to have a negative effect on people's willingness to continue an intimate relationship. More specifically, by using qualitative research methods on a sample of 269 Greek-speaking participants, Study 1 identified 88 acts that have a negative impact on people's willingness to continue an intimate relationship. Study 2 employed quantitative research methods on a sample of 536 Greek speaking participants, and classified these acts into six broader factors. The one with the most negative impact was rated to be the "Does not care about me," followed by the "Does not treat well our children," and the "Tries to control me." Women and single participants rated the identified factors more negatively than men and participants who were in a relationship or married. Significant main effects of age, sex, relationship status and having children were also found for several factors.