Search Results (1,559)

Background/Objectives: Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly embedded in menstrual and reproductive health applications, yet little is known about how women in conservative, rapidly digitizing regions evaluate AI-enabled menstrual tracking tools. This study investigates how perceived cultural fit and data privacy concerns are associated with women’s openness to AI-enabled menstrual tracking in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Methods: We conducted an online cross-sectional survey using a convenience sample of adult women residing in GCC countries (n = 273), measuring openness to AI menstrual tools, perceptions of cultural fit (e.g., respect for religious and cultural norms, endorsement by trusted institutions, Arabic language, GCC-specific design), privacy concerns (e.g., worries about who can access menstrual health data), and key sociodemographic characteristics and smartphone use. Results: Higher perceived cultural-contextual fit was strongly and positively associated with openness to AI-enabled menstrual tracking, whereas composite privacy concerns showed no statistically significant association once cultural fit and sociodemographic factors were controlled. Item-level analyses indicated that beliefs about cultural sensitivity and GCC-specific design were the most robust predictors of openness, while concerns about data access, authority endorsement, and language accessibility played a limited role. Homemakers reported higher openness than employed women. Conclusions: Overall, the findings suggest that, in this sample and model, GCC women’s openness to AI-enabled menstrual tracking was more strongly associated with perceived cultural alignment and local design than with the measured privacy-concern construct, highlighting the importance of culturally grounded, trust-building design and communication strategies for AI-based women’s health applications. Full article

The land plant sporangium is unique in its ability to initiate differentiation of the reproductive germ line, leading directly to meiosis and the formation of eggs and sperm; but our lack of understanding of the processes underlying gametogenesis in plants remains a major obstacle in our ability to modify the sexual cycle for the benefit of crop science. Here we report an initial attempt to create an engineered structure which, with further development, could reproduce the physical and mechanical properties of the land plant sporangium. While the work reported here does not achieve the ultimate goal of in vitro gametogenesis, we do believe it represents a significant step towards understanding the stress-mechanical environment of the land plant sporangium and its role in initiating reproductive development. The immediate goal of this work is to extend the range of experimental methods and tools available for the study of the physical environment of plant cell growth. We describe an experimental protocol based on the microfluidic encapsulation of living plant protoplasts in multilayered microbeads composed of actively tunable hydrogel materials whose properties can be modified to mimic the stress-mechanical behaviors of the living sporangium. Our results demonstrate the first successful encapsulation of a living plant protoplast in dual-layered microbeads consisting of an inner layer of gelled agarose and an outer layer of crosslinked alginate/methacrylate. Full article

Background/Objectives: Multipurpose prevention technologies (MPTs) that combine protection against HIV and unintended pregnancy can improve women’s health outcomes by simplifying use and enhancing adherence. We developed a long-acting (LA) implant for the simultaneous and sustained delivery of the antiretroviral islatravir (ISL) and the contraceptive hormone etonogestrel (ENG). Methods: Using extruded poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL) tubing, reservoir-style implants were fabricated and evaluated in three configurations: (Group 1) a two-segment implant formed by joining separate ISL- and ENG-containing tubes; (Group 2) a single tube divided into two drug compartments by a heat-sealed PCL spacer; (Group 3) separate single-drug implants. In vitro release was assessed in phosphate-buffered saline at 37 °C, and safety and pharmacokinetic (PK) profiles were evaluated in New Zealand White rabbits (n = 4/group) over approximately 90 days. Results: The average ISL daily in vitro release rates for Groups 1, 2, and 3 were 29 ± 5 µg/day, 18 ± 5 µg/day, and 47 ± 8 µg/day, respectively, and ENG daily in vitro release rates were 39 ± 9 µg/day, 41 ± 8 µg/day, and 33 ± 7 µg/day. From day 28 through the end of the study, median (IQR) plasma concentrations were 0.22 (0.18–0.27) ng/mL, 0.28 (0.24–0.33) ng/mL, and 0.31 (0.28–0.33) ng/mL for ISL in Groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively, and 0.26 (0.21–0.31) ng/mL, 0.25 (0.16–0.47) ng/mL, and 0.30 (0.23–0.38) ng/mL for ENG in Groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Implants across all groups were well tolerated and demonstrated favorable local tolerability over the 90-day dosing period. Conclusions: Integration of multiple indications into a single platform capable of sustained release over an extended duration holds potential to address persistent gaps in women’s sexual and reproductive health needs. Full article

This paper is presented by a collective of Black women who have devoted years to sexual health as educators, programmers and facilitators. It offers an insider perspective on their experiences facilitating the pilot of the Sista2Sista project, a sexual health intervention adapted to the Canadian context for young Black women ages 15–29. The post-pilot focus groups were conducted with stakeholders and facilitators to gather feedback on the intervention. This approach centers the perspectives of facilitators and stakeholders in implementing sexual health programs for Black youth. Findings show that the Sista2Sista pilot benefited from Black women facilitators, whose positionality fostered a culturally affirming space for young Black women. Additionally, the findings highlight gaps in race-based data and sexual health programming for Black youth in Ontario specifically, and Canada more broadly. Participants highlighted the need for holistic, relevant and sustainably funded interventions that address sexual health alongside pleasure, body image and systemic barriers, such as anti-Black racism. Overall, this paper contributes to a deeper understanding of sexual health for young Black women by centring the lived experiences of Black women facilitators who informed the pilot intervention while advocating for contextually relevant approaches that reflect the realities of Black communities. Full article

Background: Genital tract infections and dysbiosis-related conditions contribute substantially to women’s sexual and reproductive morbidity. In South America, evidence on clinically relevant genital microorganisms remains fragmented across countries, populations, and diagnostic approaches. This systematic review and meta-analysis synthesized the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Trichomonas vaginalis, Gardnerella vaginalis, and Candida spp. among women in South America. Methods: We searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and SciELO for studies published from 1 January 2014 to 29 February 2024. Eligible studies reported prevalence data for at least one target microorganism in female populations from South American countries. Two reviewers independently screened studies, extracted data, and assessed methodological quality using Joanna Briggs Institute criteria for prevalence studies. Crude prevalence and random-effects pooled prevalence estimates with 95% confidence intervals were calculated. The review protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD420261324060). Results: Of 629 records identified, 51 studies from eight South American countries and French Guiana met the eligibility criteria for the systematic review, and 46 contributed to the main pooled prevalence meta-analysis. Substantial between-study heterogeneity was observed across all pathogen-specific analyses. Pooled prevalence was highest for G. vaginalis (28%), followed by Candida spp. (12%), C. trachomatis (7%), T. vaginalis (6%), and N. gonorrhoeae (3.2%). Conclusions: This review highlights the heterogeneous burden of clinically relevant genital microorganisms among women in South America and supports standardized diagnostic approaches, clearer phenotypic definitions, and stronger surveillance across underrepresented regional settings. Full article

Pseudotolithus elongatus is one of the most commercially important species supporting artisanal fisheries in Guinea-Bissau; however, its population biology and reproductive characteristics remain poorly understood, particularly in estuarine ecosystems. This study provides the first integrated biological characterisation of P. elongatus in the Cacine River Estuary, Guinea-Bissau, based on 1776 specimens collected through three independent sampling programmes. Length at first sexual maturity (L₅₀) was estimated using binomial generalised linear models (GLMs); length–weight relationships were assessed by ordinary least squares regression and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA); sexual size dimorphism was evaluated using a battery of parametric and non-parametric tests (ANOVA, Welch’s t-test, Kruskal–Wallis, Kolmogorov–Smirnov); and sex ratio was tested using chi-square goodness-of-fit tests with Yates’ continuity correction. Females attained sexual maturity at a significantly smaller size than males (L₅₀ = 224.9 mm vs. 306.8 mm), and both sexes exhibited positive allometric growth. Females attained larger body sizes and predominated in the largest length classes, confirming pronounced sexual size dimorphism. Reproductive activity occurred throughout the year, with a distinct spawning peak during the dry season (February–April), and the overall sex ratio remained close to parity despite significant variation among length classes and months. These findings provide a biological baseline to support evidence-informed fishery management of P. elongatus in Guinea-Bissau and highlight the need for long-term, standardised monitoring in the Cacine River Estuary. Full article

The heterothallic fungus Bipolaris maydis, the causal organism of southern corn leaf blight, is a destructive pathogen of corn and is considered to predominantly reproduce asexually, as no perfect reproductive stage has been discovered under natural conditions. In this study, a multiplex PCR with mating type-specific primers was used to investigate the temporal change and spatial distribution of mating types in several B. maydis populations in China. Mating type monitoring demonstrated that both mating types co-existed throughout the entire monitoring period across the seven monitoring locations, with mating type frequencies skewing significantly (p < 0.05) to MAT1-2 during the period of 2015 to 2020 and being practically symmetric after 2020, implying that the two populations were approaching equilibrium. Both mating type isolates were detected within the same leaf or field, affording a high theoretical likelihood for the two mating type isolates to cross sexually. In addition, both MAT1-1 and MAT1-2 isolates were detected from large-scale geographical regions in China, with mating type frequencies approaching a null hypothesis ratio of 1:1 in most populations, suggesting frequency-dependent selection consistent with sexual reproduction. Conclusively, our results provided indirect evidence supporting the potential for sexual reproduction in B. maydis under natural conditions, although no sexual morphs have yet been discovered in the field. Full article

Genetic engineering (GE) and gene editing may endow traits to trees such as increased biomass and the production of novel biomaterials. Long-lived organisms such as trees might be subject to biotechnology-related risks that could be different than those of annual row crops. Those risks could be relevant to production in engineered plantations and beyond plantations to natural forests. Therefore, appropriate risk regulation is important to assure biosafety of commercialized engineered trees. In addition to gene flow via sexual reproduction, vegetative reproduction might play an additional role in environmental “exposure” risk relative to transgene dispersal in GE tree plantations. While vegetative reproduction is beneficial for preserving desired genetic traits during tree propagation, it may lead to proximal clonal spread in the field. Although the environmental risks associated with vegetative reproduction of GE trees are recognized in commercial forestry, there are few field-based environmental risk assessment (ERA) studies on dispersal risks of self-propagated GE trees. GE or gene editing of target genes involved in the vegetative propagation processes may be useful to mitigate environmental risks of clonal spread through vegetative reproduction. This review provides updates for recent field test results of GE and gene edited trees. Gene candidates related to vegetative reproduction including adventitious shooting (AS) and adventitious rooting (AR) are discussed herein as a means to mitigate unintended clonal spread from GE tree plantations. Full article

This study investigated age- and sex-related variations in pituitary gonadotroph morphometry and serum luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) concentrations in 90 clinically healthy dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius). Animals were grouped into three age categories (2–4, 5–10, and ≥11 years), with equal representation of males and females. The precise reproductive status of the female camels (e.g., estrous stage or pregnancy status) was not determined and should be considered when interpreting the endocrine findings. Immunocytochemical analysis revealed significant age- and sex-related differences in gonadotroph number and morphometric characteristics (p < 0.05). Gonadotroph counts were 8.3 ± 0.4, 9.4 ± 0.5, and 8.1 ± 0.4 cells in the 2–4, 5–10, and ≥11-year age groups, respectively, with males showing a higher overall count than females (9.1 ± 0.4 vs. 8.2 ± 0.3; p < 0.05). Overall cell size, cell area, cell volume, nucleus area, and nucleus volume were also greater in males than females (p < 0.05). The largest nucleus size, nucleus area, and nucleus volume were observed in camels ≥11 years of age, with values of 4.7 ± 0.1 µm, 18.5 ± 0.8 µm², and 60.3 ± 4.1 µm³, respectively. Ultrastructural analysis further showed a significant sex difference in granule size (58.0 ± 0.7 vs. 52.2 ± 0.8 nm) and granule percentage (56.2 ± 3.6 vs. 43.5 ± 3.3% in males and females, respectively; p < 0.05). Serum FSH concentrations were higher in males than females (4.8 ± 0.1 vs. 4.2 ± 0.1 µIU/mL; p < 0.05), whereas LH concentrations were 1.2 ± 0.1 and 1.2 ± 0.1 µIU/mL in males and females, respectively. LH concentration was highest in 5–10-year-old males (1.3 ± 0.2 µIU/mL), while FSH concentration was highest in ≥11-year-old males (4.8 ± 0.2 µIU/mL). Pearson correlation analysis demonstrated significant positive associations between gonadotroph morphometric parameters and circulating gonadotropins, with correlations ranging from 0.52 to 0.74 for cell/nuclear measurements with LH and FSH. Overall, the findings demonstrate marked age- and sex-associated differences in gonadotroph morphology, ultrastructure, and circulating gonadotropin concentrations in dromedary camels, with males generally exhibiting greater gonadotroph dimensions and secretory granule characteristics. These structural and endocrine differences provide evidence of age- and sex-related variation in pituitary gonadotrophic activity, although the findings should be interpreted in light of the cross-sectional design and the undetermined reproductive status of female camels. Overall, these findings demonstrate pronounced age- and sex-associated differences in pituitary gonadotroph morphology, ultrastructure, and endocrine activity, with males generally exhibiting greater cellular and secretory characteristics. The findings provide novel morphological and endocrine evidence of reproductive aging and sexual dimorphism in the dromedary camel pituitary and may contribute to improved understanding of reproductive function across different life stages. However, interpretation should consider the cross-sectional design and the inability to determine the precise reproductive stage of female camels before slaughter. Full article

Energy trade-offs underlying brain size evolution represent a central topic in evolutionary biology. The Expensive Brain Hypothesis (EBH) posits that the high energetic costs of large brains must be compensated for by increased energy intake or reduced allocation to other costly tissues and functions. We examined the Minshan toad (Bufo minshanicus) along an elevational gradient (2594–3441 m) on the eastern Tibetan Plateau, measuring relative sizes of the brain, five visceral organs, and two reproductive organs, as well as body condition (SMI). Body size and condition significantly decreased with elevation. Relative brain mass showed a non-significant increasing trend with elevation, whereas relative masses of the liver, heart, and alimentary tract significantly increased, and lung mass significantly decreased, with pronounced sexual dimorphism. Relative brain mass was positively correlated with most viscera and male reproductive organs, while a significant brain–ovary trade-off occurred only in females at mid elevation. Overall, elevational environmental conditions shape divergent organ mass covariation patterns. High-altitude habitats may relax energetic constraints to allow coordinated organ development, while moderate mid-altitude stress induces brain–ovary resource trade-offs in females. Our findings do not universally contradict the EBH and instead demonstrate that energetic trade-offs are strongly context-dependent rather than ubiquitous across elevational gradients. Full article

Background: Over the past decades, the global onset of menarche has progressively advanced, driven by complex interactions between metabolic, psychosocial, and environmental factors. Beyond its reproductive significance, menarche represents a critical developmental milestone that coincides with increased vulnerability to mental health difficulties. Contemporary determinants such as childhood obesity, early-life adversity, and exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) may accelerate pubertal timing while simultaneously shaping adverse psychological trajectories during adolescence. Objectives: This review aims to provide a translational and clinically oriented synthesis of modern determinants of earlier menarche and their associations with mental health outcomes in girls and adolescents, highlighting implications for early identification, prevention, and integrated clinical care. Methods: We conducted a narrative review mapping a scoping literature search conducted using PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and PsycINFO, focusing on literature from the last decade (2016–2026), with emphasis on systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and longitudinal cohort studies. Evidence was synthesized across biological, psychosocial, and environmental domains. Results: Accumulating evidence indicates that higher childhood adiposity, psychosocial stress, and EDC exposure are consistently associated with advanced pubertal timing. Earlier menarche correlates with an elevated risk of depressive symptoms, anxiety, self-harm, and body image-related distress, although effect sizes vary across populations. Emerging longitudinal data suggest that the peri-menarcheal period represents a critical window for symptom exacerbation. These associations appear to be mediated by biological mechanisms (e.g., hormonal shifts, hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis reactivity) and social processes including peer-comparison dynamics and premature sexualization. Conclusions: Earlier menarche acts as a biopsychosocial sentinel event rather than an isolated gynecological milestone. Integrating mental health screening and anticipatory guidance into pediatric and gynecological care is essential for early risk detection. A multidisciplinary, equity-oriented approach is required to address both individual vulnerability and broader environmental determinants. Full article

Background: Effective HIV prevention in South Africa requires implementing pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) service delivery options responsive to adolescents and young people (AYP) with diverse characteristics and needs. We aimed to identify characteristics associated with AYP’s choice of PrEP initiation setting. Methods: Fast-PrEP is an ongoing phase 4 HIV prevention programme in Cape Town, South Africa. Oral PrEP (TDF/FTC) is offered to AYP (15–29 years) within sexual and reproductive health services from four community-based mobile clinics and 12 public primary healthcare facilities. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression models evaluated sociodemographic, behavioural, and clinical factors associated with PrEP initiation from mobile clinics and public health facilities in 13,807 AYP between Aug’22 and Dec’24. Results: Most AYP (70.7%; n = 9760) initiated PrEP from mobile clinics. AYP with more complex healthcare needs, such as pregnancy, parenthood, known sero-different relationships, or currently having STI symptoms, were significantly more likely to use the public health facilities. Both male and female AYP initiating PrEP at mobile clinics had four times the odds of moderate-to-severe depression. Previous PrEP experience was not associated with the choice of PrEP service delivery platform. Conclusions: Our results indicate that offering community-based PrEP alongside public sector facilities increases the reach of a diverse group of AYP who may benefit from PrEP. Full article

The MAT1-1-1 and MAT1-2-1 proteins perform essential DNA-binding activities and regulation of the transcription of genes governing sexual reproduction in Ophiocordyceps sinensis. Previous studies have documented differential occurrence, alternative splicing, and transcriptional divergence of MAT1-1-1, MAT1-2-1, and pheromone receptor genes in Hirsutella sinensis (Genotype #1 among 17 genome-independent genotypes of O. sinensis fungi). In the present study, we analyzed the natural pairing patterns of structurally variant MAT1-1-1 and MAT1-2-1 proteins simultaneously produced by each of 20 purportedly homogenous O. sinensis strains, based on AlphaFold-predicted 3D structural models and pairwise structural superposition analyses. The differentially naturally paired mating proteins exhibited distinct heteromorphic stereostructures across strains. Specifically, the MATα_HMGbox domain of MAT1-1-1 and the HMG-box_ROX1-like domain of MAT1-2-1 displayed variable N- and/or C-terminal truncations, 1–4 amino acid substitutions at distinct sites, and concomitant alterations in hydrophobic properties and secondary/tertiary structural configurations. Thus, the differentially naturally paired but structurally divergent mating proteins support heterogeneous fungal origins within the analyzed O. sinensis strains and are inconsistent with a strictly self-fertilization reproductive model. Our findings suggest that O. sinensis adopts a self-sterile reproductive strategy, potentially involving heterothallic mating or hybrid reproduction during the lifecycle of the LEVEL-II protected Cordyceps sinensis insect–fungal complex endemic to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Full article

Sexual and reproductive health research has often centered women’s contraceptive and pregnancy-related experiences, while young men’s perspectives on sexual behavior, STI prevention, and reproductive responsibility remain less visible. This qualitative study explored how young Black heterosexual college men understood sexual health knowledge, masculinity, STI risk, condom use, pregnancy prevention, and readiness for fatherhood. Thirteen self-identified Black college men aged 19–22 years participated in individual semi-structured interviews at a Historically Black College/University (HBCU) in the southern United States. Interviews were conducted online, transcribed, de-identified, and analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Four themes were identified: fragmented sexual health knowledge and informal learning; learning masculinity through sexual socialization and developing sexual autonomy; experiential learning, STI stigma, and the negotiation of sexual risk; and reproductive responsibility and pregnancy prevention. Participants described limited formal sexual health education, peer and media influences on masculinity, risk judgments shaped by trust and familiarity, and stronger concern for pregnancy prevention than for STI prevention. Findings suggest that sexual health education and campus-based prevention should engage young Black men as reproductive actors with distinct needs, responsibilities, and relational contexts. Programs should integrate STI prevention, condom counseling, partner communication, alcohol-related risk reduction, and reproductive-intention counseling into male-centered, stigma-sensitive approaches. Full article

Toxoplasma gondii infects most warm-blooded vertebrates and establishes lifelong persistence through latent bradyzoite cysts within long-lived tissues. We propose that this persistence may represent an evolved strategy of delayed pathogenicity. Because T. gondii completes sexual reproduction only in felids, most productively through ingestion of infected tissues, transmission may be favored by host impairments that increase vulnerability to predation or scavenging. However, pathogenic effects expressed too early could compromise host reproduction and reservoir maintenance. We therefore hypothesize that evolutionary pressures may favor pathogenic effects emerging predominantly later in host life, after reproduction has largely been achieved. Pharmacologic protozoal suppression has been associated with reduced mortality and multiple chronic diseases, while T. gondii DNA increases along the adenoma–carcinoma sequence in gastrointestinal malignancies. Together, these observations motivate a testable framework linking long-term parasite persistence to late-life morbidity. Full article