Search Results (938)

To reveal the variation patterns and differences in the adaptation strategies of leaf functional traits between male and female Populus euphratica in an arid desert environment, this study evaluated the effects of sex, developmental stage, and their interaction on 31 leaf traits using variance partitioning and trait network analysis. Furthermore, we analyzed the topological characteristics of the trait networks across two dimensions: developmental stage and vertical canopy gradient. The results indicated that sex moderately explained the variation in leaf nutrient characteristics (N and K) and physiological resistance indicators (Pro). Meanwhile, developmental stage largely accounted for variations in traits such as leaf dry weight, leaf width, specific leaf area, and photosynthetic physiology. The interaction between sex and developmental stage significantly influenced leaf anatomical structures and water-use strategies. Leaf trait network analysis revealed that during development, the male network exhibited higher connectivity and shorter average path lengths, with its core traits shifting from photosynthetic physiological indicators to nutrient and water transport characteristics; female plants exhibited higher network modularity during key developmental stages, with core nodes concentrated on leaf area, biomass, and structural traits. Along the vertical canopy gradient, the male leaf trait network showed pronounced topological reorganization in the mid-to-upper layers, suggesting a stronger capacity to respond to environmental fluctuations. Conversely, the core hubs of the female leaf trait network shifted from morphogenesis toward a synergy between structure and metabolism, which may be associated with maintaining system stability at different canopy heights. These findings suggest that female and male P. euphratica may adopt “conservative” and “acquisitive” ecological adaptation strategies, respectively, potentially leading to differentiated patterns of trait variation and coordination. This study provides a theoretical basis for understanding the potential ecological adaptation mechanisms and evolutionary strategies underlying sexual dimorphism in desert plants. Full article

The northern pike (Esox lucius) is an economically important cold-water fish species in northern China. It exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism, yet the molecular mechanism underlying its sex differentiation remains unclear, which hinders the development of aquaculture. Whole-transcriptome sequencing is a powerful approach for screening sex-related genes; however, no such study has been reported for this species to date. In this study, gonadal tissues from three female and three male E. lucius were collected for whole-transcriptome sequencing. A total of 14,941 differentially expressed messengerRNAs, 119 differentially expressed microRNAs, 229 differentially expressed circularRNAs, and 2055 differentially expressed long non-codingRNAs were identified. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that the differentially expressed genes were significantly enriched in pathways closely associated with sex differentiation, such as steroid hormone biosynthesis and oocyte meiosis. Several key sex-biased genes were identified, including female-biased genes (FANCL, DDX5, SRSF5B) and male-biased genes (STAR, FDX1B, ITGA2B). Furthermore, a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory network involving dre-miR-107b was constructed, which may represent a candidate for further investigation into sex differentiation in E. lucius. This study provides the first comprehensive whole-transcriptome dataset of female and male gonads in E. lucius, identifies key sex-biased genes and core pathways involved in its sex differentiation, and thereby identifies the dre-miR-107b-centered ceRNA network and key sex-biased genes (FANCL, DDX5, SRSF5B, STAR, FDX1B, ITGA2B) as core molecular players in sex differentiation of this species. Full article

Background: Flattening of the medial longitudinal arch is traditionally attributed to excess body weight and Body Mass Index (BMI). However, controversy exists regarding whether adiposity or skeletal structure drives this biomechanical alteration, and which podometric index best detects it. Methods: A cross-sectional study evaluated 99 healthy university students (50 males, 49 females). Body composition was assessed via a four-component model. Plantar footprints were captured using 4K digital podoscopy and analyzed with five morphometric indices. Arch predictors were identified using multivariate regression models (Elastic Net regression) and Generalized Additive Models (GAMs). Results: Only Clarke’s Angle detected significant sexual dimorphism, showing structurally higher arches in females (50.28° ± 7.14) than in males (41.82° ± 11.20; p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed bone mass as the dominant structural predictor, exerting a non-linear negative association with the arch profile, which stabilizes beyond 12 kg. BMI was not a significant predictor, whereas body fat percentage showed a modest positive association. Conclusions: Plantar arch morphology is strongly associated with skeletal load (anthropometrically estimated bone mass) rather than adiposity or BMI. Within this specific cohort, Clarke’s Angle emerged as a highly sensitive instrument for characterizing sexual dimorphism. Clinical assessments diagnosing functional flatfoot should prioritize underlying bone structure over BMI, particularly when evaluating a healthy and physically active university population. Future studies incorporating DXA or radiographic validation are needed to confirm these anthropometric findings. Full article

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most diagnosed malignancy and the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. A consistent and epidemiologically well-documented feature of CRC is its sexual dimorphism: age-standardized incidence rates are 33–45% higher in men than in women, and mortality rates differ by 43–50%. Beyond epidemiology, biological sex influences tumor location, molecular subtype, and clinical outcome. Women more frequently develop right-sided, microsatellite-unstable tumors driven by the CpG island methylator phenotype pathway, whereas men predominantly present with left-sided, chromosomally unstable tumors harboring APC, KRAS, and TP53 mutations. Sex steroid hormones play a central modulatory role: estrogens, primarily via estrogen receptor β (ERβ), exert tumor-suppressive effects on colonic epithelium, whereas androgens promote pro-inflammatory and pro-tumorigenic signaling through androgen receptor (AR)-dependent pathways. The gut microbiome displays sex-specific compositional profiles (‘microgenderome’) and contributes to sex-specific CRC susceptibility through bidirectional interactions with sex hormones, shaping distinct immunological and metabolic microenvironments. Finally, sex influences the pharmacokinetics of fluoropyrimidines, the toxicity of targeted agents, and the response to immune checkpoint inhibitors. This review summarizes current evidence on sex-related differences in CRC epidemiology, molecular pathology, hormonal regulation, gut microbiota composition, and treatment outcomes, highlighting the need to systematically incorporate sex as a biological variable in CRC research and clinical practice. Full article

The zig-zag eel (Mastacembelus armatus) exhibits sexual dimorphism in growth patterns. Identifying the genes involved in sex differentiation is a crucial step toward achieving single-sex breeding and serves as a vital foundation for elucidating the XY sex determination mechanism in M. armatus. This study measured the morphological characteristics of male and female M. armatus and found that males were significantly superior to females in body weight and nearly all morphological indices. Subsequently, whole-transcriptome sequencing was performed on the gonads of adult males and females, identifying 11,714 DEmRNAs, 3442 DElncRNAs, 416 DEcircRNAs, and 620 DEmiRNAs, including male sex differentiation genes such as Sox30, Tbx1, Sox9, and Gata4, and female sex differentiation genes like Sox3, Foxl2, and Wnt4a. Functional enrichment analysis identified pathways associated with sex differentiation, including the TGF-beta signaling pathway, the steroid hormone biosynthesis, the Hippo signaling pathway, and the Wnt signaling pathway, etc. A ceRNA network was constructed based on differentially expressed mRNAs and ncRNAs, revealing that the sex differentiation-related genes Sox3, Sox9, Sox30, Tbx1, and Wt1 are regulated by one or multiple pairs of lncRNA/circRNA-miRNA pairs. The study results will provide molecular targets for research on sex-controlled breeding in M. armatus and lay an important theoretical foundation for clarifying its sex differentiation mechanisms. Full article

Understanding the trophic ecology of fish in mountain lakes is essential for interpreting their functional roles and managing these ecosystems. This study investigated the diet, population structure, and prey selectivity of lake charr (Salvelinus umbla) in three glacial basins of the Eastern Italian Alps: Fusine Superiore, Fusine Inferiore, and Raibl Lakes. In summer 2024, 106 fish were sampled using multi-mesh gillnets, alongside Surber sampling of littoral macrobenthos. Biometric analysis revealed populations dominated by larger size classes (>18 cm), with significant sexual dimorphism, as females were longer and heavier than males. Dietary analysis showed strong reliance on littoral Hexapoda (~90% of prey). High Schoener’s overlap index values (α > 0.90) indicated no clear ontogenetic dietary shifts in the sampled size classes, suggesting that the productive littoral zone provides a stable resource. Ivlev’s electivity index revealed lake-specific prey selection patterns, with Hexapoda positively selected in Lake Fusine Inferiore, Bivalvia and Malacostraca positively selected in Lake Raibl, and weak or absent selectivity in Lake Fusine Superiore. S. umbla appears to be a broad opportunistic feeder with site-specific prey selectivity shaped by local resource structure. Given its debated native status, these findings provide an ecological baseline for assessing its potential effects on benthic communities. Full article

Background/Objectives: The median nerve exhibits clinically relevant anatomical variability, with critical implications for surgical exposure, regional anesthesia, peripheral nerve repair, and diagnostic imaging. Despite extensive descriptive reports, quantitative morphometric analyses incorporating biological sex and donor record population classification remain limited, particularly among Hispanic cadaveric cohorts. Methods: This multi-institutional cadaveric study evaluated median nerve formation and segmental morphometry in 82 anatomical donors, each contributing paired bilateral upper limbs (164 upper limbs total), classified in institutional records as Puerto Rican, Caucasian, or African American. Standardized dissections were performed from the brachial plexus to the distal forearm, and linear measurements were obtained between predefined anatomical landmarks using digital calipers. Results: Mixed-effects modeling was used to evaluate morphometric differences associated with biological sex, donor record population classification, and anatomical location. Male specimens demonstrated localized differences in proximal median nerve formation, including a longer medial cord contribution on the left side. Population group comparisons identified greater measured morphometric distances in the Puerto Rican cohort compared with Caucasian and African American cohorts. Normalized LEH/MEH ratios did not differ between sexes, suggesting that some absolute differences may reflect limb-size scaling rather than proportional shifts in nerve position. Conclusions: These findings provide standardized landmark-based morphometric data and support the value of population-sensitive anatomical reference data for surgical planning and imaging-based interpretations of median nerve morphology. Full article

Biflavonoids are dimeric flavonoids recognized for their diverse biological activities and significant pharmacological potential, with ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba L.) serving as a primary natural source. This study presents a comprehensive spatiotemporal characterization of the biflavonoid profile across a diverse population of 90 trees. High-resolution chromatographic analysis quantified five major biflavonoids, revealing a consistent hierarchical abundance: sciadopitysin > isoginkgetin > ginkgetin > bilobetin > amentoflavone. Notably, sciadopitysin emerged as the predominant constituent (1532.89 ± 544.13 µg/g dw). To decode the complex drivers of metabolite accumulation, we integrated Principal Component Analysis (PCA) with Piecewise Linear Regression (PLR). PCA confirmed a robust chemical structure, explaining 71.5% of the total variance, where Factor 1 represents a general biflavonoid gradient and Factor 2 captures localized environmental influences. The PLR models (R² = 0.75–0.83) identified tree age as a primary negative regulator, showing a significant decline in total biflavonoids as trees mature beyond the 30-year reproductive threshold. While sexual dimorphism and location exhibited compound-specific nonlinear effects, younger trees (10–30 years) demonstrated the highest biosynthetic plasticity and potency. These findings establish a predictive framework for optimizing the pharmaceutical harvest of ginkgo leaves, highlighting that age-related physiological shifts, rather than gender or broad geography, are the critical determinants of biflavonoids yield. Full article

Background: Accurate sex estimation from skeletal remains is essential in forensic identification, yet population-specific reference data for cervical vertebrae, particularly the first cervical vertebra (C1), are limited. This lack of data compromises the accuracy of sex estimation in forensic contexts where primary skeletal elements such as skull and pelvis are unavailable. Geometric morphometric (GM) analysis offers a robust alternative by quantifying shape variation independent of size, enabling precise assessment of morphological differences that conventional linear measurements may overlook. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the utility of C1 vertebra morphology for sex estimation among Omani adults using two-dimensional geometric morphometrics. Methods: A total of 320 lateral cervical radiographs (160 males, 160 females) were retrospectively collected from Sultan Qaboos University Hospital. Six anatomical landmarks on the atlas were digitized using TPSDig2, and shape analyses were performed using MorphoJ software. Statistical methods included Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Procrustes ANOVA, Canonical Variate Analysis (CVA), and Discriminant Function Analysis (DFA). Intra- and inter-observer reliability was also assessed. Results: While centroid size did not significantly differ between sexes (p = 0.2432), shape analysis revealed statistically significant sexual dimorphism (p = 0.0457). DFA correctly classified 77.19% of individuals by sex, with a cross-validated accuracy of 73.44%. Shape variation was most pronounced in the posterior tubercle and superior facets of the atlas. Conclusions: Two-dimensional geometric morphometric analysis of the first cervical vertebra (C1) reliably captures sexual dimorphism in the Omani population, providing a population-specific reference that enhances the accuracy and objectivity of forensic sex estimation. Full article

Sex determination and gonadal differentiation are essential for vertebrate development and reproduction. Fish, with both genetic and environmental sex-determining mechanisms, serve as ideal models for exploring environmental effects on gonadal development. The hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal (HPG) axis is involved in sex differentiation, but its role as a key mediator in temperature-dependent sex differentiation remains unclear. Sebastes schlegelii is an economically important marine fish species along the northern coast of China. It exhibits obvious sexual growth dimorphism and typical temperature-dependent sex differentiation, making it an excellent model for investigating the mechanism of sex differentiation. In this study, individuals of S. schlegelii at the sex differentiation stage were treated with a GnRH receptor antagonist and subjected to transcriptome sequencing analysis. The results revealed that GnRH may regulate sex differentiation through steroid biosynthesis, TGF-β and MAPK signaling pathways. We identified several key genes, including srd5, bmp8a, bmp2, fgf23, pdgfra, and egfr, which may affect gonadal differentiation by acting on core sex-determining genes and steroidogenesis. In conclusion, GnRH precisely mediates the process of sex differentiation by modulating the TGF-β signaling pathway, the MAPK signaling pathway, and local gonadal steroidogenic networks. Full article

Circulating sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) concentrations are lower in individuals with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), reflecting its potential role in metabolic liver dysfunction. Our prior studies demonstrated that SHBG can attenuate MASLD by limiting hepatic lipid deposition, partly through suppression of lipogenic pathways, in both cellular and animal models. In the present work, we have examined whether SHBG could protect against development of liver fibrosis. For this purpose, in vitro and in vivo studies were performed. In vitro, we used co-cultures of human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line (HepG2) and human hepatic stellate cell line (LX-2) cells transfected using an SHBG expression vector vs. vehicle and treated with transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1). For in vivo studies we used wild-type and human SHBG transgenic mice developing liver fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄). Our results clearly showed that SHBG overexpression reduced the TGF-β1-induced expression in collagen in LX-2 cells. Moreover, SHBG overexpression reduced the CCl₄ induced liver fibrosis in both male and female mice. Histological examination revealed that SHBG transgenic mice had reduced NAS score and decreased collagen accumulation, assessed by Sirious Red staining. In addition, human SHBG transgenic mice treated with CCl₄ exhibited lower collagen 1A1 (Col1A1) protein levels when compared with wild-type CCl₄ treated mice. Mechanistically, SHBG attenuated fibrosis primarily through modulation of the TGF-β1/matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs)/tissue inhibitor metalloproteinases 1 (TIMP1) axis, characterized by reduced TGF-β1 levels, increased metalloprotease activity, and decreased TIMP1 levels compared with wild-type CCl₄ treated mice. Notably, female SHBG transgenic mice exhibited greater protection against fibrosis than males, indicating a sex-dependent effect likely mediated by differences in sex steroid signaling. Taken together, we demonstrate for the first time that SHBG protects against liver fibrosis by promoting collagen degradation via the TGF-β1/MMPs/TIMP1 pathway. Further research is needed to elucidate the role of sex steroids in the regulation of MMPs and the observed sexual dimorphism. Full article

Dioecious plant species display sexual dimorphism in terms of their morphological and physiological properties. However, little is known about the differentiation among endophytes within female versus male members of dioecious host plants. Hence, the endophyte diversity and composition of different tissues of male and female Hippophae tibetana were investigated using amplicon sequencing, and key factors driving the differences were determined. The results showed that there were divergences in endophytic diversity, community composition, connectivity and complexity of the co-occurrence network between females and males H. tibetana. The females and males owned their unique phyla of endophytic bacteria (Fusobacteriota and Chloroflexi, respectively). Significant enrichment of species at different levels was found between females and males, suggesting that these species could be potential biomarkers for male and female H. tibetana. Variance partitioning analysis (VPA) and Spearman analysis revealed that the phytostoichiometry and metabolites of H. tibetana explained more differences in community composition of fungal and bacterial endophytes than rhizosphere soil physicochemical properties, and endophytes exhibited a significant positive correlation with the phytostoichiometry and metabolites of H. tibetana. PICRUSt and FUNGuild predictive analyses revealed differences in endophytic fungal function between female and male H. tibetana, while the endophytic bacterial functions were metabolism. These results reveal the sexual differentiation of endophytes in dioecious plants and provide important knowledge for dioecious plant–microbe interactions. Full article

This study aimed to model the growth trajectories of Denizli chickens under different production systems and to identify the most appropriate nonlinear growth function within a Bayesian framework. A total of 156 birds were monitored weekly from hatch to 26 weeks of age under conventional cage, conventional floor, and enriched floor systems. Eight candidate nonlinear growth models were evaluated using Bayesian model comparison criteria, including leave-one-out cross-validation (LOO) and the widely applicable information criterion (WAIC). Among the evaluated models, the Gompertz function showed the best predictive performance, with the lowest LOOIC (225.16) and superior predictive accuracy across fit statistics. The selected model was subsequently extended to a Bayesian nonlinear mixed modelling framework to evaluate the effects of sex and production system on growth dynamics while accounting for between-animal variability. Males exhibited substantially higher asymptotic weights than females, whereas females showed faster early growth and earlier stabilization. Birds reared under the conventional floor system, particularly males, exhibited the highest asymptotic growth potential and later inflection ages, indicating a more prolonged growth phase. In contrast, enriched systems appeared to have promoted greater variability in growth responses, possibly due to increased behavioral activity and energy expenditure. The findings demonstrated that production system and sex jointly influenced both the scale and timing of growth in Denizli chickens. Beyond statistical model comparison, the Bayesian nonlinear mixed modelling approach provided biologically meaningful information that could support breeding, housing, and management decisions for indigenous and dual-purpose poultry production systems. Full article

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is characterized by the progressive accumulation of uremic toxins (UTs), which contribute to systemic complications, increased cardiovascular risk, and disease progression. Epidemiological and experimental evidence demonstrate pronounced sex differences in CKD progression and outcomes, yet the mechanisms underlying sex-specific uremic toxicity remain unclear. This review synthesizes current knowledge on sex differences in the origin, metabolism, transport, and biological effects of UTs, with a focus on sex-dependent regulatory mechanisms along the gut–liver–kidney axis. Sex hormones influence key determinants of toxin handling, including gut microbiota composition, hepatic enzyme activity, plasma protein binding, membrane transporter expression, and intracellular signaling pathways. Together, these factors regulate systemic toxin exposure and tissue susceptibility to injury. CKD also disrupts endocrine homeostasis, creating bidirectional interactions between hormonal regulation and toxin accumulation. Experimental and limited clinical evidence suggest that sex may influence circulating toxin profiles and susceptibility to toxin-associated complications. Collectively, sex is an important modulator of uremic toxicity, with sex hormones mediating at least part of the sex differences. A sex-informed framework may improve fundamental understanding through mechanistic studies and future clinical research may help clarify its relevance for biomarker development and support the development of personalized therapeutic strategies for CKD. Full article

Introduction: The NF-κB signaling pathway is a key regulator of oncogenic processes; however, its systemic role in meningiomas remains poorly understood. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the expression of genes encoding NF-κB isoforms and IKK complex subunits in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of patients with meningiomas prior to tumor resection. Methods: The study included 31 patients with meningiomas (WHO grades G1-G3) and 18 healthy volunteers. PBMCs were isolated using density gradient centrifugation, and total RNA was extracted. mRNA expression levels of NFKB1, NFKB2, RELA, RELB, c-REL, CHUK, IKBKB, and IKBKG were quantified by real-time PCR, with GAPDH used as the reference gene. Results: In patients with meningiomas, significantly lower expression of NFKB1 and higher expression of RELA, CHUK, and IKBKB were observed compared with the control group. NFKB1 expression was significantly higher in patients with higher tumor grades (WHO G2/G3) than in those with grade G1 tumors. Moreover, male patients exhibited higher expression levels of c-REL, CHUK, and IKBKB than female patients. Strong positive correlations were observed between components of the canonical NF-κB pathway. Discussion: The results may indicate systemic dysregulation of the NF-κB pathway in immune cells of patients with meningiomas, potentially characterized by activation of the canonical pathway and a shift toward p65/p65 homodimer formation. These alterations could reflect mechanisms associated with immunosuppression. NFKB1 expression may warrant further investigation as a candidate peripheral biomarker of tumor aggressiveness, while the observed sexual dimorphism in gene expression might suggest that sex could represent a relevant factor, requiring confirmation in prospective studies. Full article