Search Results (1,764)

Background: Women who experience intimate partner violence (IPV) have a higher likelihood of experiencing detrimental physical, psychological and sexual and reproductive health (SRH) outcomes. However, a gap remains in published literature on SRH interventions available to women experiencing IPV. Methods: A scoping review was undertaken to examine: What is the nature of sexual and reproductive healthcare interventions provided to women experiencing IPV? Five databases (APA PsycInfo, CINAHL Complete, Informit, PubMed and Scopus) were searched on 9 October 2023 for peer-reviewed systematic reviews or primary research published from 1 January 2004–present. The search was repeated on 11 June 2025 to ensure recency of studies. Two researchers independently screened studies at title and abstract, and full-text levels. The two searches yielded a total of 10,844 studies, of which nine were included in the review. Results: Due to the heterogenous nature of the studies, thematic analysis was undertaken with four themes being identified: Outcomes of interventions; Positive impact of personalised and patient-centred care; Professionals’ knowledge, education and training as a facilitator; and Barriers to effective IPV intervention implementation in healthcare. SRH interventions available to women who experienced IPV can empower survivors, improve access to care, and enhance service quality. Conclusions: Evidence-based models of care that are intersectional, trauma-informed and integrated into SRH and IPV services are critical to ensure future work supports women of differing backgrounds who have experienced IPV. Future research should include evaluating effectiveness of interventions, identifying and addressing systemic barriers, and supporting underrepresented groups. Full article

This paper examines the sexual and reproductive health (SRH) knowledge, experiences, service access, and unmet needs of Rohingya adolescent refugee girls living in the camps of Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. The refugee population in these camps is approximately 1.3 million, with more than half under the age of 18 and girls representing over one quarter of the total. Given the growing proportion of adolescent girls, SRH knowledge and service provision are critical both for the refugee community and for Bangladesh’s broader sustainable development goals. Drawing on direct accounts from adolescent girls and insights from community-based key informants, this research explores levels of SRH awareness, willingness to seek care, encounters with sexual violence, understanding of sexually transmitted diseases, and reproductive health priorities. It also identifies barriers to service delivery faced by healthcare and humanitarian providers. The findings highlight how cultural norms, social constraints, and religious beliefs intersect with structural barriers—including lack of education, financial dependence, gender-based violence, and the need for parental or spousal consent—to restrict access to SRH services. Despite these challenges, some participants reported successfully receiving reproductive health care. This paper calls for coordinated action from the government, humanitarian agencies, and social service organisations to improve both the availability and accessibility of SRH services for adolescent refugee girls. Strategies should include enhanced outreach, culturally responsive engagement, and sustained follow-up care to promote safety, dignity, and well-being within the camps. Full article

The Anthropocene, marked by rapid and extensive environmental changes, poses distinct evolutionary pressures and opportunities for species adaptation. Insects, among the most diverse and resilient taxa, exhibit notable dietary plasticity and the ability to convert low-value biomass—such as agro-industrial and urban waste—into usable nutrients. This review explores how these traits serve as adaptive strategies, enabling insects to thrive and expand into novel, human-altered habitats. We examine the evolution of insect nutritional requirements and how alternative diets influence physiological, behavioral, and reproductive traits, ultimately enhancing resilience to anthropogenic stressors. The capacity of insects to metabolize diverse substrates not only supports their role in food security and circular economy initiatives but also provides valuable insights into detoxification pathways and metabolic flexibility in environments rich in xenobiotics. By synthesizing key studies, we highlight the pivotal role insects play in redefining ecosystem functions under human influence. This review underscores the intersection of nutritional and evolutionary biology in understanding insect success in the Anthropocene, emphasizing the importance of nutritional knowledge for both ecological research and applied insect farming systems. Full article

Vegetative propagation through stem cuttings represents the primary mode of reproduction in Rosa species. While numerous studies have reported physiological factors affecting cutting rooting, the genes regulating the formation of adventitious roots in roses have not yet been fully explored and studied. In this study, we demonstrate that Rosa rugosa ‘Feng Hua’ exhibits an indirect rooting pattern, requiring callus formation prior to root primordium differentiation. Phytohormone profiling revealed exceptionally high concentrations of auxin precursors, particularly tryptophan (Trp), in both callus and root tissues. Therefore, we identified and analyzed the members of the YUCCA family, which are the key rate-limiting enzymes in the tryptophan-dependent IAA biosynthesis pathway. A total of 11 RrYUCs family genes were identified, with RT-qPCR analysis showing that RrYUC10 was highly expressed in callus and root tissues. Functional studies confirmed its critical role in adventitious root formation: virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) of RrYUC10 significantly inhibited AR development, whereas its overexpression enhanced rooting. Our findings have provided a molecular theoretical basis for the rooting of cuttings in roses. Full article

This study provides the first long-term, cross-border evaluation of Lithuanian potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) cultivars, integrating agronomic performance, tuber quality, and resistance to major pathogens across diverse environments. Field and controlled trials conducted in Lithuania and Ukraine from 2014 to 2024 revealed substantial genetic variability among 14 national cultivars, enabling their classification into five distinct maturity groups. Maincrop cultivars outperformed others in yield and starch accumulation, with ‘VB Meda’, ‘Goda’, and ‘VB Aista’ exhibiting a superior balance of productivity (up to 49 t ha⁻¹), starch content (>19%), and moderate-to-high resistance to Phytophthora infestans. A broader genetic screening of 287 accessions—including varieties, breeding lines, and hybrids—demonstrated wide diversity in phenological development, disease resistance, and reproductive traits. Notably, Ro₁ pathotype resistance was identified in 85 genotypes, predominantly with yellow-skinned tubers, while genotypic sterility in flowering and berry set was associated with both parental lineage and elevated temperatures. Although no complete immunity to P. infestans was detected, several genotypes displayed stable polygenic field resistance, suggesting the presence of horizontally inherited defense mechanisms effective under variable agroclimatic conditions. These results underscore the strategic breeding potential of Lithuanian potato germplasm for developing high-performing cultivars with enhanced resilience to late blight and nematodes and offer valuable insights for climate-adapted potato breeding in Northern and Eastern Europe. Full article

Background/Objectives: Rice production faces threats from rising temperatures, demanding thermotolerant varieties. This study characterizes transcriptomic dynamics and identifies Hsp101-1 (heat shock protein 101-1)-associated gene regulatory modules in rice under reproductive-stage heat stress. Methods: Transcriptomics and WGCNA (weighted gene co-expression network analysis) were conducted in flag leaves and spikelets for wild-type (WT) and Hsp101-1-overexpressing (OE) lines under 40 °C stress at six time points (0–24 h) to reveal the change in gene expressions. Results: The number of DEGs (differentially expressed genes) revealed substantial pre-existing differences in WT and OE lines. Pre treatment, OE flag leaves showed 545 upregulated and 676 downregulated DEGs versus WT leaves. Post heat shock, the number of DEGs in flag leaves and spikelets was significantly reduced by 70–80%. KEGG enrichment of common DEGs across time points showed both WT and OE flag leaves enriched for ribosome biogenesis, ribosomes, and chaperones/folding catalysts. WGCNA identified that the MEdarkslateblue module correlated negatively with WT and positively with OE flag leaves. The MEturquoise module was suppressed at 1 h but activated by 8 h. Spikelet analysis identified the MElightpink4 module (negative correlation with WT, positive with OE) and a similarly dynamic MEturquoise module. Venn analysis identified 76 shared module genes, 71 of which were upregulated in the OE line, indicating that Hsp101-1 activates common protective targets. Hsp101-1’s expression in the WT line was low basally, significantly upregulated at 1–8 h post shock, and returned to low levels by 24 h. Conclusions: Hsp101-1 enhances thermotolerance by (1) constitutively pre-stabilizing transcriptomic networks and reducing transcriptional fluctuations under heat stress and (2) modularly coordinating tissue-specific responses, providing a climate resilience framework. Full article

Skeletons serve as the body’s fundamental structure and perform multiple vital functions, and thus even subtle modifications can lead to functional changes. However, studies on sexual shape dimorphism in the appendicular skeletons of anurans remain scarce, especially for fossorial species. Herein, we investigated the sexual differences in the external morphology and internal skeletal shape of girdles and limbs of fossorial Kaloula rugifera during the breeding season. The results reveal the following: (1) Males exhibit significantly longer forelimbs and hindlimbs, suggesting advantages in male—male competition and amplexus. (2) Males possess more curved and dilated coracoids and broader pubis-ischium regions, which may enhance forelimb contraction efficiency and hindlimb locomotor performance. (3) Males feature a more developed crista ventralis, likely enhancing forelimb flexion for tightly grasping females during mating. In contrast, females display a torsioned femur and robust hindlimb morphology, suggesting adaptations for digging and load-bearing. These findings provide insights into how anurans optimize reproductive fitness and ecological adaptations through morphological specialization. To our knowledge, this study presents the first examination of sexual shape dimorphism in anuran appendicular skeletons utilizing three-dimensional geometric morphometrics. Full article

Porcine Teschovirus (PTV) is a highly prevalent pathogen within swine populations, primarily associated with encephalitis, diarrhea, pneumonia, and reproductive disorders in pigs, thereby posing a significant threat to the sustainable development of the pig farming industry. In this study, a novel strain of PTV was isolated from the feces of a pig exhibiting symptoms of diarrhea, utilizing PK-15 cell lines. The structural integrity of the viral particles was confirmed via transmission electron microscopy, and the viral growth kinetics and characteristics were evaluated in PK-15 cells. High-throughput sequencing facilitated the acquisition of the complete viral genome, and subsequent phylogenetic analysis and full-genome alignment identified the strain as belonging to the PTV 2 genotype. Further investigation revealed that infection with the PTV-GXLZ2024 strain induces phosphorylation of the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2α (eIF2α) in PK-15 cells, indicating activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR) through the PERK pathway, with minimal involvement of the IRE1 or ATF6 pathways. Notably, ATF4 protein expression was progressively downregulated throughout the infection, while downstream CHOP protein levels remained unchanged, indicating an incomplete UPR induced by PTV-GXLZ2024. Furthermore, PERK knockdown was found to enhance the replication of PTV-GXLZ2024. This study provides critical insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying PTV pathogenesis and establishes a foundation for future research into its evolutionary dynamics and interactions with host organisms. Full article

Under refined management, high-yield cotton fields are approaching their maximum output. However, how to break this yield upper limit, specifically the source–sink relationship is still inadequately researched. This experiment was conducted to explore the interaction mechanism between yield formation and source–sink parameters (photosynthesis, nitrogen content, canopy structure and dry matter accumulation and distribution). The treatments consisted of a no cutting source and sink treatment (CK), cutting 1/2 leaves per plant (1/2L) and cutting 1/2 bolls per plant (1/2B) at the initial flowering stage (IFS), the flower and boll stage (FABS), and the full boll stage (FBS). The results showed that 1/2L treatment minimized yield losses to 2.3–5.9% by enhancing photosynthetic compensation, with FBS-1/2L showing the smallest reduction (2.3–2.9%) due to higher leaf N content and SPAD values, whereas, the 1/2B treatments resulted in significant yield losses attributable to fewer bolls, especially the FBS-1/2B treatments, which reduced yields by 35.7–41.9%, with a compensatory rate of only 8.1–14.3%. It is noteworthy that the compensation rates of IFS-1/2B and FABS-1/2B could reach 26.7–32.3% and 18.7–23.8% of their yields due to the higher leaf N content. In a word, the source damage can be buffered by physiological compensation, while the sink loss leads to yield collapse due to the irreversibility of reproductive development. Thus, the core regulator of high-yield cotton fields was sink strength. Accordingly, optimizing the sink quality was performed through moderate boll thinning at the IFS, enhancing water and fertilizer supply at the FABS and strengthening sink organ protection at the FBS in order to realize a breakthrough in yield limit. Full article

Ovarian aging is characterized by mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and inflammation. The development of adjunctive treatments that mitigate age-related subfertility is warranted. We examined the benefits of nutraceutical supplementation (FE; Fertility Enhancer) with mitochondrial antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, metabolic activators, vitamins and minerals, and amino acids on ovarian aging, metabolic activity, and reproductive success in young (Y; 6-month-old) and middle-aged (O; 11-month-old) female C57BL/6J mice. The mice were fed calorie- and macronutrient-matched diets w/wo the FE supplement for three months and harem mated twice. Daily FE supplementation promoted significant body re-composition, including loss of white adipose tissue (gWAT: −36% vs. CON, p < 0.001), gain of skeletal muscle (SkM: +67% vs. CON, p < 0.001), and improved SkM/gWAT ratio (+185% vs. CON, p < 0.001). Metabolic testing showed enhanced fat oxidation (+38%, p < 0.01) and energy expenditure (+7%, p = 0.051) in FE mice. Breeding and immunoblotting data demonstrated improved reproductive success (Y-CON: 44%, Y-FE: 89%, O-CON: 0%, O-FE: 18%) and a modest attenuation of ovarian aging markers in both FE groups. We surmise that a multi-ingredient supplement, such as the Fertility Enhancer, may improve body re-composition, metabolic activity, and markers of ovarian aging, thus enhancing reproductive health and fertility in females. Full article

Nanomaterials (NMs) are becoming increasingly important in biomedical applications, especially in reproductive biology and oncology. In this review, we examined the “double face” of NMs as prooxidants and antioxidants in relation to ovarian cancer and female fertility. NMs have been shown to reduce oxidative stress pathways in tumors, enhancing the effectiveness of chemotherapy and serving as carriers for drugs and compounds. They are also considered for their protective effects on female fertility by improving oocyte quality, maturation, and survival under various healthy and adverse conditions. However, certain NMs can induce oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and ovarian tissue apoptosis when present in high concentrations or after prolonged exposure. These “double face” effects highlight the complex nature of NMs’ concentration, shape, and biocompatibility. Although NMs show promise in cancer treatment and fertility preservation, a comprehensive assessment of their prooxidant potential is necessary for successful clinical application. Full article

Retinoblastoma is a rare but malignant pediatric retinal tumor, affecting 1 in 15,000–20,000 live births annually. It arises from biallelic mutations in the RB1 tumor suppressor gene (chromosome 13q14.2), leading to uncontrolled cell cycle progression. Clinically, it presents as unilateral (60%) or bilateral (40%) disease, with leukocoria and strabismus as hallmark signs. Untreated, retinoblastoma is fatal due to metastatic spread. The disease follows Knudson’s two-hit model: heritable forms (30–40% of cases) involve a germline RB1 mutation (M1) and a somatic second hit (M2), predisposing to bilateral/multifocal tumors and secondary cancers. Non-heritable cases (60–70%) result from somatic RB1 mutations or, rarely, MYCN amplification (2%). Genetic testing is critical to classify risk (H0, H1, and HX categories), guide surveillance, and inform family counseling. Bilateral cases almost always harbor germline mutations, while 15% of unilateral cases may carry germline/mosaic RB1 defects. Advanced techniques (Sanger/NGS sequencing for mutation detection, NGS for copy number alterations, and methylation assays) detect RB1 mutations, CNVs, and epigenetic silencing. Tumor DNA analysis resolves ambiguous cases. H1 patients require intensive ocular and brain MRI surveillance, while H0 cases need no follow-up. Prenatal/preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) can prevent transmission in high-risk families. Emerging research explores additional genes (BCOR, CREBBP) and MYCN-amplified subtypes. Genetic counseling addresses recurrence risks, reproductive options, and long-term cancer monitoring. Integrating genetic insights into clinical practice enhances precision medicine, reducing morbidity and healthcare costs. Future directions include whole-genome sequencing and functional studies to refine therapeutic strategies. Full article

Global food security is increasingly challenged by climate change and the availability of arable land. This situation calls for improved crop monitoring and management strategies. Rice is a staple food for nearly half of the world’s population and a significant source of calories. Accurately identifying rice varieties is crucial for maintaining varietal purity, planning agricultural activities, and enhancing genetic improvement strategies. This study evaluates the effectiveness of machine learning algorithms to identify the most effective approach to predicting rice varieties, using multitemporal Sentinel-2 images in the Marismas del Guadalquivir of Sevilla, Spain. Spectral reflectance data were collected from ten Sentinel-2 bands, which include visible, red-edge, near-infrared, and shortwave infrared regions, at two key phenological stages: tillering and reproduction. The models were trained on pixel-level data from the growing seasons of 2021 and 2024, and they were evaluated using a test set from 2022. Four classifiers were compared: random forest, XGBoost, K-nearest neighbors, and logistic regression. Performance was assessed based on accuracy, precision, recall, specificity and F1 score. Non-linear models outperformed linear ones. The highest performance was achieved with the Random Forest classifier during the reproduction phase, reaching an exceptional accuracy of 0.94 using all bands or only the most informative subset (red edge, NIR, and SWIR). This classifier also maintained excellent accuracy (0.93 and 0.92) during the initial tillering phase. This fact demonstrates that it is possible to perform reliable varietal mapping in the early stages of the growing season. Full article

Early testicular development is vital for adult male fertility but remains highly vulnerable to stress during the suckling stage. Fermented Chinese chive (Allium tuberosum) is known for its antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties, yet its role in testicular development remains unclear. In this study, Songliao Black piglets received 3‰ fermented Chinese chive (LK group) mixed with starter feed and compared to a control (OD group). Testicular samples at weaning (28 days) underwent transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses. Although no significant differences were observed in gross testicular morphology, the LK group significantly increased individual (13.85%) and litter (15.11%) weaning weights (p < 0.05), with elevated serum triglycerides, total cholesterol, and a 32.2% rise in IgG levels (p < 0.05). Integrated analysis identified 76 shared pathways, including ferroptosis, insulin resistance, PI3K-Akt, MAPK, and cAMP signaling. Upregulated genes in the LK group were mainly related to energy metabolism, antioxidant defense, immune regulation, steroidogenesis, and neuroendocrine signaling, suggesting improved metabolic activity, reduced oxidative stress, and accelerated reproductive maturation. Molecular docking indicated that kaempferol and isorhamnetin from Chinese chive bind strongly to proteins involved in testicular development. Overall, fermented Chinese chive supplementation enhances early testicular development in suckling piglets via integrated modulation of metabolic, immune, and signaling pathways, providing a nutritional strategy to optimize reproductive potential in breeding boars. Full article

Background: Outpatient operative hysteroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure widely used for the diagnosis and treatment of intrauterine pathologies, including intrauterine adhesions (IUAs), which significantly affect fertility. Despite its therapeutic potential, the procedure itself may predispose patients to de novo adhesion formation. This review evaluates the effectiveness of anti-adhesion gels, particularly hyaluronic-acid-based formulations, in preventing IUAs and improving reproductive outcomes after outpatient operative hysteroscopy. Materials and Methods: A systematic search was performed in PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, and Web of Science for studies published between January 2020 and May 2025. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were defined using PICO guidelines. Relevant studies were screened and selected by two independent reviewers. Results: Anti-adhesion gels, especially hyaluronic acid and its derivatives, were associated with a lower recurrence of IUAs and improved reproductive outcomes. Combination therapies, such as hyaluronic acid gel with intrauterine devices (IUDs), showed better efficacy than monotherapy. Several studies also reported increased endometrial thickness, higher implantation rates, and improved pregnancy outcomes, although live birth rates remained inconsistent. Conclusions: Hyaluronic-acid-based anti-adhesion gels appear effective in reducing postoperative adhesion formation and enhancing reproductive outcomes in outpatient hysteroscopy. The best results are seen with multimodal preventive strategies. However, heterogeneity across studies highlights the need for standardized, prospective, randomized controlled trials to establish optimal clinical use. Full article