Search Results (1,632)

Genetic recombination occurs in many organisms, from simple RNA viruses to mammals and plants with DNA genomes. In sexual reproduction, two parental genomes come together and undergo recombination, producing an offspring genome with a combination of information from the two parental genomes. Genome recombination that occurs during sexual reproduction can involve any one of several mechanisms, including copy-choice recombination as well as breakage and exchange. Across widely different organisms, recombination is generally promoted by factors that damage the genetic material. In organisms such as bacteriophage and Paramecium, it was experimentally demonstrated that recombinational repair during sexual reproduction can overcome otherwise deleterious or lethal damage. For many decades, it has been recognized that there are higher biological costs of sexual reproduction than for asexual reproduction. Theories assuming that genetic variation, due to recombination, is the main adaptive benefit of sexual reproduction have been widely accepted. Such a benefit was considered to compensate for the high cost of sexual reproduction. However, it has been difficult to find a strong, consistent benefit of variation. The repair of lethal damage, involving recombinational interactions of two different genomes, now appears to be the major selective factor underlying sexual reproduction in organisms both simple and complex. Full article

Chronic epididymitis and orchitis represent significant yet frequently under-recognized contributors to male infertility, particularly among men of reproductive age. These conditions arise from persistent inflammatory or immunological processes affecting the epididymis and testis, leading to impaired spermatogenesis, altered sperm maturation and possible obstruction of the male reproductive tract. Infectious aetiologies, especially those linked to sexually transmitted pathogens and uropathogens, remain predominant; however, non-infectious mechanisms, including autoimmune activation, post-vasectomy changes and idiopathic inflammation, also play critical roles. The persistent inflammatory milieu induces cytokine release, oxidative stress and structural tissue remodelling, ultimately compromising the functional and immune-privileged microenvironment necessary for optimal sperm production and transport. Diagnostic evaluation requires a multimodal approach incorporating clinical examination, microbiological testing, semen analysis and scrotal ultrasonography, with advanced imaging and molecular assays reserved for complex or equivocal cases. Management is individualized and may involve antimicrobial therapy, anti-inflammatory treatment, immunomodulation or microsurgical intervention in cases of ductal obstruction. Assisted reproductive technologies provide additional options when natural conception is not feasible. Despite increased recognition of their impact, chronic epididymitis and orchitis remain insufficiently studied, with gaps in standardized definitions, biomarker validation and long-term outcome data. This review provides a focused synthesis and phenotype-driven clinical framework for chronic epididymitis and orchitis through a fertility-preservation lens, bridging urological and andrological perspectives and integrating evidence on subclinical inflammation, contemporary diagnostic biomarkers and a staged therapeutic pathway. Full article

Focal therapy is emerging as an organ-preserving strategy for selected patients with localized prostate cancer, aiming to preserve urinary and sexual function while maintaining acceptable cancer control. However, patient and technology selection remain complex because prostate cancer is often multifocal, clinically significant lesions may be missed by imaging or biopsy, and long-term comparative oncological data are limited. This narrative review summarizes current evidence and consensus recommendations on oncological suitability, histopathological risk features, tumor burden, imaging assessment, anatomical considerations, functional priorities, and follow-up. We also discuss the complementary roles of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging, prostate-specific membrane antigen positron emission tomography, micro-ultrasound, and artificial intelligence-assisted planning. Finally, we review how tumor location and proximity to critical structures guide selection among high-intensity focused ultrasound, cryotherapy, irreversible electroporation, transurethral ultrasound ablation, laser ablation, and photodynamic therapy. Focal therapy remains promising but requires careful selection, shared decision-making, and structured follow-up. Full article

Dioecious plants often exhibit sex-specific physiological strategies that influence their response to environmental change. However, it is not well understood whether such dimorphism extends to the developmental trajectory of the photosynthetic apparatus during natural senescence. In this study, we compared the seasonal development and decline of photosystem II (PSII) function in naturally grown male and female Ginkgo biloba using non-destructive fast chlorophyll a fluorescence induction kinetics (OJIP) and JIP-test analysis. Sun-exposed, healthy leaves were sampled at approximately 15-day intervals from 18 July to 26 November 2024 [day of year, (DOY 188–332)]. The study monitored chlorophyll content and OJIP-derived parameters, and evaluated sex differences statistically (p < 0.05). Chlorophyll content began to decline after DOY 268 in both sexes, but decreased earlier and more rapidly in males. By DOY 332, male chlorophyll content fell to 1.37% of its level at DOY 268, whereas females retained 9.55%. OJIP fluorescence transient analysis revealed that ΔW_oj shifted from negative to positive values after DOY 268 in male plants, accompanied by a sustained increase in the relative variable fluorescence at the J step (V_j). This pattern indicates an earlier and more pronounced acceptor-side limitation of PSII in male plants, associated with accelerated accumulation of QA⁻ and restricted electron transfer from QA⁻ to QB and the plastoquinone (PQ) pool. In addition, male plants showed a clearer donor-side limitation, with a pronounced ΔW_ok response, suggesting reduced stability of the oxygen-evolving complex (OEC). In contrast, females maintained higher cross-section-based energy fluxes (TR₀/CS₀, ET₀/CS₀) and PSI-end acceptor reduction capacity (RE₀/CS₀), and exhibited a slower decline in integrated performance indices (PI abs, PI total, DF abs). Principal component analysis further suggested that male senescence trajectories were more tightly associated with changes in electron-transport efficiency, whereas females exhibited a more gradual adjustment in energy-flux allocation. Collectively, these results reveal pronounced sexual dimorphism in the PSII–PSI functional decline pathway during natural senescence in G. biloba and provide a physiological basis for understanding sex-specific variation in photosynthetic decline in this species, with potential relevance to broader studies of dioecious plants. Full article

Objective: To assess the anatomical and clinical outcomes of a novel, mesh-free cerclage pectopexy technique that uses the round ligament for apical support following total laparoscopic hysterectomy in women with stage II uterine prolapse. Methods: This retrospective observational study included 120 women with stage II uterine prolapse who underwent total laparoscopic hysterectomy followed by laparoscopic non-mesh pectopexy between October 2023 and August 2024. In this procedure, the distal portion of each round ligament was fixed to the pectineal ligament using Ethibond sutures. Multiple plicating stitches were then placed to reinforce the ligament’s tensile strength, creating a biological suspension bridge between the pectineal ligament and the vaginal cuff. All patients were examined preoperatively and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively using the POP-Q system. Anatomical success was defined as an apical stage ≤ I at 12 months. Results: At the twelve-month follow-up, anatomical success was achieved in 95 percent of patients, with six cases of apical recurrence. POP-Q measurements showed significant improvement from baseline, and total vaginal length was preserved. Functional outcomes, including postoperative pain and dyspareunia, were favorable. Early complications were uncommon, and no intraoperative or mesh-related complications occurred. Conclusion: Round-ligament-based non-mesh cerclage pectopexy provides reliable apical support with minimal surgical morbidity following total laparoscopic hysterectomy. This technique appears to provide effective apical support with low surgical morbidity while avoiding synthetic mesh. Preservation of vaginal length and favorable short-term clinical outcomes were observed; however, longer-term comparative studies are required. Future prospective studies combining this procedure with other minimally invasive suspension techniques, such as McCall culdoplasty or uterosacral plication, may broaden its applicability to more advanced prolapse cases. Full article

Background: Uterine fibroids are among the most common benign tumors affecting women of reproductive age and may substantially impair health-related quality of life (HRQL). Although anxiety and stress are frequently reported by affected women, their contribution to HRQL remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the relationships between symptom severity, anxiety, stress, and HRQL in women with uterine fibroids. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 107 women hospitalized for uterine fibroid treatment. Symptom severity and HRQL were assessed using the Uterine Fibroid Symptom and Quality of Life (UFS-QoL) questionnaire. Anxiety and information needs were evaluated using the Amsterdam Preoperative Anxiety and Information Scale (APAIS), while subjective anxiety and stress levels were measured with the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Associations between variables were analyzed using non-parametric tests, Spearman’s correlations, and multiple regression analysis. Results: Clinically significant anxiety was observed in 41.1% of participants. The mean HRQL score was 57.4 ± 22.3 points. In multivariate analysis, symptom severity was the only independent predictor of HRQL (β = −0.67, p < 0.001), explaining approximately 45% of its variance. Anxiety, stress, and sociodemographic factors were not independently associated with overall HRQL. However, higher levels of anxiety and stress were significantly associated with poorer sexual functioning. Women living in rural areas and those with higher body weight reported poorer outcomes in selected quality-of-life domains. Conclusions: Symptom severity is the primary determinant of HRQL in women with uterine fibroids. Although anxiety and stress do not independently predict overall quality of life, they may adversely affect sexual functioning. These findings support a comprehensive management approach that combines symptom-oriented treatment with psychological and educational support. Full article

Purpose: Vasomotor, sexual, and musculoskeletal symptoms are common adverse effects of adjuvant endocrine therapy in breast cancer survivors. Social media use has not been investigated with altered symptom perception in patients receiving adjuvant endocrine therapy. This study aimed to investigate whether social media use or addiction independently predicts endocrine therapy-related symptom burden in breast cancer survivors. Methods: A cross-sectional survey study was conducted among 153 breast cancer survivors receiving adjuvant endocrine therapy. The Social Media Use Scale (SMUS) and Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS) were assessed using validated Turkish versions of each scale. Endocrine therapy-related toxicities (specifically hot flashes, vaginal dryness, loss of libido, and musculoskeletal pain severity) were evaluated using specific self-reported 5-point Likert scale items. Results: All of the patients were female and menopausal, either neutral or induced with ovarian function suppression. In the univariate analysis, the BSMAS score showed a weak positive correlation with vasomotor/sexual symptoms (r = 0.194; p = 0.017), but this association disappeared after adjustment for clinical variables. Younger age was associated with greater vasomotor/sexual symptoms in univariate testing. Neither the SMUS nor BSMAS independently predicted musculoskeletal symptom severity in univariate and multivariate models, while higher educational attainment remained the only independent predictor of musculoskeletal pain severity (OR = 1.96; 95% CI: 1.06–3.57; p = 0.031). Conclusions: This study is unique in investigating unstructured social media use and endocrine therapy-related physical symptoms. In this cohort, unstructured social media use was not associated with the endocrine therapy-related physical symptom burden. While these cross-sectional findings do not support social media behavior as a significant predictor, clinical assessments should continue to prioritize established determinants such as age and educational background. Full article

Background/Objectives: Child sexual abuse (CSA) is a serious public health and forensic issue, associated with significant psychological, psychiatric, and social consequences. However, data from forensic psychiatric evaluations regarding victims of this type of abuse are limited, especially in Romania. This study primarily aimed to profile the demographic, clinical, and psychosocial characteristics of minors who were victims of sexual offenses and underwent forensic psychiatric evaluation. Secondary objectives included examining relationships between demographic and clinical variables, describing patterns of victimization, and analyzing the co-occurrence of vulnerability factors. Methods: This study was retrospective, descriptive, and analytical, including 51 minors (under 18 years of age) examined at the Mina Minovici National Institute of Legal Medicine (INML), between 2013 and 2025. Data extracted from forensic psychiatric reports included demographic variables, the type of offense, psychiatric diagnosis, psychological issues, intellectual functioning, family environment, and relationship with the aggressor. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, Pearson χ² and Fisher’s exact tests, binary logistic regression, and nonparametric tests for cumulative vulnerability. Results: The sample was predominantly female (94.1%), with a mean age of 13.75 years. Rape was the most frequent offense (45.1%). Most victims originated from disorganized family environments or were institutionalized (70.6%), and 60% had below-normal intellectual functioning. A psychiatric diagnosis was present in 56.9% of cases, while 70.6% exhibited psychological issues. Within an exploratory logistic regression model that did not reach overall statistical significance (omnibus likelihood ratio test χ² = 9.31; p = 0.097), the presence of a psychiatric diagnosis showed the strongest individual association with psychological issues (OR = 5.17; 95% CI, 1.22–21.85; p = 0.026). Cases in which the aggressor was not related to the family environment were the most frequent (60.8%), followed by cases involving family members (23.5%). Most subjects displayed multiple co-occurring vulnerability factors. When the cumulative vulnerability score was recalculated to exclude psychological issues (to avoid construction-induced circularity), higher vulnerability remained significantly associated with extrafamilial victimization (Kruskal–Wallis H = 6.93; p = 0.031), but was no longer associated with psychological issues themselves (Mann–Whitney U = 298.0; p = 0.56), indicating that the originally observed association was an artefact of the score’s construction. Conclusions: Minors who are victims of sexual abuse often face multiple overlapping vulnerabilities, including unstable family environments, cognitive impairments, and psychiatric conditions. These factors frequently coexist in victims evaluated in forensic psychiatric settings and are associated with psychological issues and complex victimization profiles. The findings emphasize the importance of comprehensive, multidisciplinary, and victim-centered methods in forensic psychiatric evaluations. Full article

Background/Objectives: Pregnancy and childbirth are independent risk factors for pelvic floor injury. The choice of delivery position, as an interventionable factor during labor, has received much attention. This study aimed to assess the impact of sitting delivery on pelvic floor function by observing the outcomes of the perineum, duration of the second stage of labor, integrity of pelvic floor structure, and postpartum pelvic floor function. The goal was to provide scientific evidence for optimizing delivery management and reducing the risk of pelvic floor injury. Methods: This was a non-randomized study (based on patient choice). A total of 222 primiparous women who delivered at our hospital from February to August 2023 were selected and divided into the control group (n = 88) and the sitting group (n = 134). The second stage of labor in the control group was delivered in the traditional bladder lithotomy position, while the sitting group delivered in a sitting position. The duration of the second stage of labor, delivery method, degree of perineal laceration, postpartum 2 h bleeding volume, and the occurrence of urinary incontinence and sexual dysfunction 1 year after delivery were observed in both groups. Results: The rate of perineal lateral incision in the sitting group was lower than that in the control group (24.6% vs. 48.9%, aOR = 0.37, p < 0.001); the adjusted mean difference in second-stage duration was −11.65 min (95% CI: −25.35 to 2.05, p = 0.095), indicating no statistically significant difference after adjustment. In unadjusted subgroup analysis, a larger point estimate for reduction was observed in women aged < 30 years (median difference −16.0 min, p = 0.033), but the interaction test was not significant. For urinary incontinence and sexual dysfunction, there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups. Conclusions: Sitting delivery was associated with a lower episiotomy rate and, in unadjusted analysis, a shorter second stage (although the adjusted difference was not significant), and it did not increase the incidence of urinary incontinence or sexual dysfunction at one year postpartum. Full article

Olfaction plays a fundamental yet often underappreciated role in human sexual behavior, attraction, and relationship dynamics. Beyond the debated existence of human pheromones, emerging evidence supports a broader framework of chemosensory communication influencing emotional, cognitive, and behavioral aspects of sexuality. This review synthesizes recent literature examining the relationship between olfactory function and human sexual experience in a clinical context. We provide an overview of how olfactory capacities can impact on 3 types of close mating-related aspects: (1) chemosignals and socio-sexual effects, (2) olfactory function and sexual behavior, and (3) olfactory dysfunction and sexual outcomes. Accumulating evidence suggests that olfactory function is associated with sexual satisfaction, partner bonding, and relationship stability. Conversely, olfactory dysfunction, whether congenital or acquired, appears to negatively affect sexual motivation, intimacy, and emotional aspects of sexual experience. Current findings indicate that olfactory processing may represent a clinically relevant, yet often overlooked, component of sexual health. Integrating olfactory assessment into clinical andrological practice may provide additional insight in cases of unexplained sexual dysfunction. Full article

Aim: Increasing female participation in elite sports has highlighted the need to better understand how intensive training affects reproductive health and sexual function. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess the prevalence of libido loss and sexual dysfunction in female climbers and to explore potential associations with low energy availability within the “relative energy deficiency in sports” framework. Methods: This is a cross-sectional multinational cohort study of female climbers as well as non-athletic controls from Switzerland, Germany, Austria, and Italy, to investigate female sexual function in athletes compared to a non-athletic control group from the general population through specific questionnaires, e.g., eating disorder screening (EDE-QS), sexual function (FSFI-d), low energy availability (LEAF-Q), and estrogen deficiency symptoms (MRS-II). A nonparametric procedure was used to check whether distribution differences between the groups were detectable. Where distributional differences were statistically detectable, selected parameters were considered as covariates in an analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). This has been carried out with the following covariates: LEAF- Q, MRS-II-score, age, BMI, and subjective satisfaction. Only participants without the signs of an eating disorder (normal EDE-QS scores) were included in this study. Results: A total of 173 women were included (elite: n = 31, amateur: n = 55, controls: n = 87). No significant differences in overall sexual function (FSFI-d total score) (p = 0.518) and libido (p = 0.610) were observed between groups in unadjusted analyses. However, after adjustment for relevant covariates, including MRS-II score and subjective sexual satisfaction, elite climbers demonstrated significantly lower FSFI-d scores compared to controls (p = 0.018). Notably, elite climbers reported higher subjective sexual satisfaction than controls (p = 0.002). Conclusions: While overall sexual function did not differ in unadjusted analyses, adjusted comparisons suggest that elite climbers may experience subtle differences in sexual function. Full article

Same-sex sexual behavior in invertebrates includes interactions such as courtship, mounting, copulation, tandem running, and pair formation between individuals of the same sex. We conducted a systematic synthesis of 222 primary studies and 12 reviews and found published evidence of SSB in approximately 207 species spanning arthropods, mollusks, annelids, echinoderms, nematodes, and flatworms. Although most reports involved insects (approximately 89%), standardized reporting rates suggest this bias reflects research effort rather than true biological prevalence. Observations came from field studies, although several taxa, particularly Diptera and Hymenoptera, were disproportionately represented by laboratory work. Copulation-like interactions were the most frequently reported behavior, followed by courtship and mounting. Where authors proposed explanatory frameworks, mistaken identity or indiscriminate mating was the most invoked interpretation, although adaptive functions and socially mediated explanations were also recurrent. Direct measurements of fitness consequences were rare and yielded mixed outcomes, suggesting that the consequences of SSB are context dependent rather than uniformly beneficial or maladaptive. Overall, the available evidence supports the view that SSB in invertebrates is neither anomalous nor reducible to a single mechanism. Instead, it appears as a heterogeneous component of the behavioral repertoire whose expression is shaped by mating system, study type, and taxonomic history. Full article

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

Background/Objectives: The sexuality of LGBTQIA+ individuals has been less studied than that of heterosexuals. This study aimed to examine, in cisgender men who have sex exclusively with men, the association of positive (PSC) and negative (NSC) sexual cognitions of dominance and submission with sexual arousal and erection in the contexts of solitary masturbation and sexual relationships. Methods: A sample of 253 men, aged 18 to 67 years old, completed an online survey assessing the frequency of PSC and NSC and their sexual functioning in solitary masturbation and sexual relationships. Mixed linear models were used to analyze the association of PSC and NSC of dominance and submission with sexual arousal and erection in both contexts. Results: The results revealed, first, a lack of association between PSC and arousal/erection, except for a negative association with a submission PSC (“being sexually victimized”). Regarding NSC, on one hand, a positive relationship of a specific dominance cognition (“whipping or spanking someone”) with arousal and erection was found. On the other hand, a negative association of a specific submission cognition (“being whipped or spanked”) with arousal was found. Furthermore, the interaction of this NSC of dominance with the context was significant. Conclusions: The results obtained in this study highlight the complexity of the relationship between positive (PSC) and negative (NSC) sexual cognitions of dominance and submission with sexual arousal and erection in cisgender men who have sex exclusively with other men. Full article

Understanding and regulating fish growth is vital for the economic sustainability of aquaculture. The melanocortin-3 and -4 receptors (MC3R/MC4R, known as neural MCRs), integral components of the leptin–melanocortin circuit, play crucial roles in vertebrate energy homeostasis and growth. Abnormal neural MCR signaling contributes to human obesity. In teleosts, Mc4r was first comprehensively studied in goldfish in 2003. Since then, Mc4r has been characterized in various teleosts. Genetic and pharmacological reduction of neural Mcr signaling can increase feeding or growth in several fish models, although its aquaculture value must be evaluated using production endpoints such as feed conversion, body composition, reproduction, welfare, and biosafety. Furthermore, neural Mcrs also play a role in modulating reproductive processes and sexual function in teleosts. This review systematically examines recent progress on the roles of fish neural Mcrs, offering an overview of basic molecular characteristics, tissue distribution, and pharmacology. Physiological roles and mechanisms in growth regulation are reviewed. Finally, the potential and limitations of targeting neural Mcrs for aquaculture-relevant traits are discussed. This work contributes to our understanding of the evolution of energy homeostasis regulation in vertebrates, providing a foundation for healthier and more efficient aquaculture practices. Full article