Female Age Research Articles

Effects of Soy Isoflavones and Evening Primrose Oil on Female Aging and Diseases

Effects of Soy Isoflavones and Evening Primrose Oil on Female Aging and Diseases

Histogenetic insights and genetic landscape of fibromatosis-like undifferentiated gastric carcinoma: a focused study

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to elucidate the histogenesis and genetic underpinnings of fibromatosis-like undifferentiated gastric carcinoma (FLUGC), a rare pathological entity.MethodThrough a detailed analysis of seven cases, including histopathological evaluation, CTNNB1 gene mutation screening, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) protein level quantification, and HER2 gene amplification assessment to identify the pathological and molecular characteristics of FLUGC.ResultsOf the seven patients in this study, five were male and two were female (age: 39–73 years). Four patients presented with lesions in the gastric antrum and three had lesions in the lateral curvature of the stomach. Histopathologically, over 90% of the tumor consisted of aggressive fibromatosis-like tissue, including proliferating spindle fibroblasts and myofibroblasts and varying amounts of collagenous fibrous tissues. Undifferentiated cancer cells, accounting for less than 10%, were dispersed among the aggressive fibromatosis-like tissues. These cells were characterized by their small size and were relatively sparse without glandular ducts or nested mass-like structures. Immunophenotyping results showed positive expression of CKpan, CDX2, villin, and p53 in undifferentiated cancer cells; positive expression of vimentin in aggressive fibromatosis-like tissue; positive cytoplasmic expression of β-catenin; and focal cytoplasmic positive expression of smooth muscle actin (SMA). Genetic analysis did not reveal any mutations in the CTNNB1 gene test, nor was there amplification in the HER2 gene fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) test. Additionally, the Epstein-Barr encoding region (EBER) of in situ hybridization was negative; and the mismatch repair (MMR) protein was positive. Programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) was < 1–5%; programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1): TPS = 1–4%, CPS = 3–8.ConclusionThe study highlights the significance of CTNNB1, HER2, EBER, and MMR as pivotal genetic markers in FLUGC, underscoring their relevance for diagnosis and clinical management. The rarity and distinct pathological features of FLUGC emphasize the importance of accurate diagnosis to prevent underdiagnosis or misdiagnosis and to raise awareness within the medical community.

Low Birth Weight as Predictor of Underweight and Stunting Among Female Students Aged 6-9 Years: an Observational Study in Surakarta

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Introduction:&lt;/strong&gt; Undernutrition remains a leading cause of premature mortality among children in developing countries. Previous studies discussed that the risk of undernutrition elevated with child’s age, stressing the need to address undernutrition in older children. Maternal factors also caused undernutrition through intergenerational transmission. However, data related to nutritional status of female children age &amp;gt;5 years in Indonesia are lacking. This study aimed to elucidate determinants associated with nutritional status among primary school girls in Surakarta.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods:&lt;/strong&gt; This was an observational, cross-sectional study. A total of 61 female students aged 6-9 years from Nur Hidayah Primary School Surakarta participated in this study. Data were collected through online questionnaire filled by parents who were directed to follow the procedures of anthropometric measurement at home. Z-score was calculated using WHO AnthroPlus software. Nutritional status of children was measured in weight-for-age and height-for-age. Statistical analyses were performed using Spearman’s correlation and backward linear regression. Variables with p&amp;lt;0.05 from the final model were considered as the determinants.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results:&lt;/strong&gt; Among study participants, 4.9% were underweight and 9.9% were stunted. Our study found one common determinant of nutritional status by weight-for-age and height-for-age, namely birth weight (p=0.027 and p=0.011 respectively). Maternal height was, in particular, associated with nutritional status by height-for-age (p=0.001).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusion:&lt;/strong&gt; Birth weight was significantly associated with nutritional status by weight-for-age and height-for-age, while maternal height was significantly correlated with only nutritional status by height-for-age. Nutrition programs for female students such as school lunch and multivitamin supplementation could be implemented to prevent the intergenerational effects of stunting and underweight.&lt;/p&gt;

Luteal phase sertraline treatment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD): Effects on markers of hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis activation and inflammation

RationalePremenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is characterized by severe affective symptoms during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. There is some evidence of altered interactions between the hypothalamic pituitary gonadal (HPG) and hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axes in PMDD. There is also evidence that similar affective disorders such as major depression and perinatal depression are associated with dysregulation in immune factors, but this has not been characterized in PMDD. AimsThe goals of this exploratory study were to identify 1) whether HPA-HPG axis interactions and immune markers differ between PMDD patients and controls across the menstrual cycle; 2) how luteal phase sertraline treatment impacts stress and inflammatory markers. MethodsParticipants were females age 18–50 with regular menstrual cycles, not using psychotropic or hormonal medications, and were assigned to a control group or PMDD group based on prospective daily symptom ratings and clinical interview. Blood was drawn in the follicular and luteal phases, during laboratory sessions involving a mildly stressful task. In a second luteal phase, PMDD participants received open-label sertraline (50 mg/d) from ovulation to menses. Serum cortisol and ACTH were measured via ELISA and operationalized as area under the curve with respect to ground (AUCg), and peak level following laboratory task. Serum TNF-α, IL-6, CXCL-8, and IL-1β were measured using multiplex kits. Serum allopregnanolone (ALLO) was measured by gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy. To characterize HPA-HPG axis interactions across the menstrual cycle in PMDD participants and controls, multilevel linear models predicted cortisol and ACTH from the interaction of cycle phase (controlling for sertraline treatment), ALLO, and group. To determine the effects of sertraline treatment on inflammatory markers and how groups might differ in cyclical change on each marker, multilevel linear models predicted inflammatory markers from cycle phase (controlling for sertraline treatment) and group. A final set of exploratory models tested whether inflammatory markers predict premenstrual symptom score severity. ResultsThe sample included n=77 participants (41 controls, 36 PMDD); 28 participants with PMDD completed sertraline treatment. Group x phase x ALLO interactions showed that higher ALLO levels predicted lower cortisol peak in the treated luteal phase (interaction between phase and ALLO, p=0.042), and there was a higher cortisol peak in the treated luteal phase than the untreated luteal phase (p=0.038). CXCL-8 was significantly associated with premenstrual symptom severity after controlling for group and cycle phase (p=0.011). There were no main effects of group, phase, or ALLO on cortisol AUCg, ACTH AUCg, IL-6, CXCL-8, IL-1β, nor TNF-α (p’s>0.05). ConclusionSerum markers of HPA axis and immune function did not vary by menstrual cycle phase nor PMDD status. However, sertraline treatment in the luteal phase was associated with higher ALLO levels predicting lower cortisol peak in response to mild laboratory stress, suggesting that sertraline treatment may normalize HPG-HPA axis interactions among individuals with PMDD. Greater premenstrual symptomatology was associated with higher levels of the inflammatory marker CXCL-8, but further research is needed into the potential role of inflammation in PMDD.

Translation and psychometric analysis of urdu version of modified polycystic ovary syndrome health related quality of life questionnaire (MPCOSQ-U)

BackgroundPolycystic ovary syndrome is a metabolic disorder prevalent among females of reproductive age. The symptoms of PCOS profoundly affect the quality of life of these females. Outcome measures specific to PCOS are crucial to the management of these patients. The MCPOSQ is a validated tool to measure the health-related quality of life specific to PCOS. The purpose of this study was to translate the modified polycystic ovary syndrome quality of life questionnaire (MPCOSQ) and to determine the reliability and validity of the modified polycystic ovary syndrome quality of life questionnaire Urdu version (MPCOSQ-U).MethodologyThis cross-sectional study was conducted in Islamabad/Rawalpindi. The MPCOSQ was translated to Urdu and validated by expert gynaecologists. The MPCOSQ-U and SF-36 were administered to one hundred eighty females with PCOS. The MPCOSQ-U was evaluated for internal consistency, test-retest reliability, factor analysis, face validity, content validity and construct validity.ResultsThe average age (years) of the females was 25.27(1.83). The MPCOSQ-U showed excellent test-retest reliability and internal consistency (ICC2,1=0.95, Cronbach’s α = 0.97). The content validity index (CVI) was 0.92. There was a statistically significant but weak positive correlation between MPCOSQ-U and SF-36 (r = .186, p = .012).ConclusionThe Urdu version of the modified version of the polycystic ovarian syndrome quality of life questionnaire is a validated and reliable tool to assess the quality of life of Pakistani females with PCOS. This is an important step to cover the language barrier, which influences the outcome assessment in PCOS.

Influence of nutrition during previtellogenesis on the follicular development in the Asian Tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus (Skuse) (Diptera: Culicidae).

Dengue fever poses a global public health threat, with 2.5 billion people at risk of infection each year. Because the Aedes albopictus is the primary vector of dengue, it is closely monitored and handled. The efficiency of Dengue eradication is strongly dependent on understanding a female mosquito's physiological age. This study addresses key entomological issues about the impact of previtellogenic nutrition on egg production mechanisms. Ovarian development included two distinct periods: previtellogenesis and vitellogenesis. Sugar intake during previtellogenesis influences the size of the blood meal. The major parameter influencing the vitellogenesis process is the presence of a hematophagous feeding event following sugar concentration. Upon subjecting female mosquitoes to sucrose, the ovarian follicles entered the third phase of previtellogenesis. Once females feed on blood following sucrose, ovarian development enters the vitellogenesis, and the oocyte cytoplasm reveals that the yolk granules are organized in one or two rows like a crown, increasing oocyte size. Females fed 15% sucrose before a blood meal, have the largest vitellogenic growth, and follicular size, which is seven times greater than those fed water only. Fecundity increased by 78.7% by adding 7% sucrose to the diet. Mitochondria within oocytes increase, most likely due to their transportation from the nurse cells, where the yolk is synthesized. This study describes in detail the histological alterations detected in the ovaries during the previtellogenesis as well as those associated with yolk formation, suggesting that yolk protein deposition in the oocyte is associated with blood meal, independent of sucrose feeding. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Adult nutrition during previtellogenesis significantly impacts various biological parameters and the physiological age of adults of Aedes albopictus. Female mosquitoes experienced significant growth in vitellogenic development, vectorial capacity, and follicular size after consuming a diet with 15% sucrose before a blood meal.

Longitudinal analysis of cortisol changes during pubertal development in indigenous Qom girls.

Pubertal research has primarily focused on hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis (HPG) regulation of puberty, though the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) is increasingly considered critical. Heightened HPA function proxied by increasing cortisol levels may play a role in accelerated pubertal timing. However, the extent to which cortisol varies across ages and its relation to pubertal changes in linear growth are less well substantiated. We explored relationships between age, linear growth, adiposity, C-peptide (proxy for insulin), and cortisol across puberty, and we tested whether higher cortisol levels are associated with earlier ages at menarche and peak height velocity. We utilize longitudinal data (n = 777 urine samples) from Qom females ages 7-14 (n = 46) and test our pre-registered analysis using Bayesian longitudinal mixed effects models and joint modeling techniques. We find limited evidence supporting the overarching hypothesis that HPA upregulation is associated with pubertal maturation or timing. We find some evidence that HPA upregulation, as proxied by cortisol, may be more clearly related to differences in relative linear growth at early-mid puberty, as measured by height-for-age z-scores. Transdisciplinary perspectives on puberty, including the assumption that stressors acting via cortisol accelerate pubertal development, are discussed.

Maintenance of germline stem cell homeostasis despite severe nuclear distortion

Stem cell loss in aging and disease is associated with nuclear deformation. Yet, how nuclear shape influences stem cell homeostasis is poorly understood. We investigated this connection using Drosophila germline stem cells, as survival of these stem cells is compromised by dysfunction of the nuclear lamina, the extensive protein network that lines the inner nuclear membrane and gives shape to the nucleus. To induce nuclear distortion in germline stem cells, we used the GAL4-UAS system to increase expression of the permanently farnesylated nuclear lamina protein, Kugelkern, a rate limiting factor for nuclear growth. We show that elevated Kugelkern levels cause severe nuclear distortion in germline stem cells, including extensive thickening and lobulation of the nuclear envelope and nuclear lamina, as well as alteration of internal nuclear compartments. Despite these changes, germline stem cell number, proliferation, and female fertility are preserved, even as females age. Collectively, these data demonstrate that disruption of nuclear architecture does not cause a failure of germline stem cell survival or homeostasis, revealing that nuclear deformation does not invariably promote stem cell loss.

Establishment of a predictive nomogram for clinical pregnancy rate in patients with endometriosis undergoing fresh embryo transfer

To establish a nomogram model for predicting clinical pregnancy rate in patients with endometriosis undergoing fresh embryo transfer. We retrospectively collected the data of 464 endometriosis patients undergoing fresh embryo transfer, who were randomly divided into a training dataset (60%) and a testing dataset (40%). Using univariate analysis, multiple logistic regression analysis, and LASSO regression analysis, we identified the factors associated with the fresh transplantation pregnancy rate in these patients and developed a nomogram model for predicting the clinical pregnancy rate following fresh embryo transfer. We employed an integrated learning approach that combined GBM, XGBOOST, and MLP algorithms for optimization of the model performance through parameter adjustments. The clinical pregnancy rate following fresh embryo transfer was significantly influenced by female age, Gn initiation dose, number of assisted reproduction cycles, and number of embryos transferred. The variables included in the LASSO model selection included female age, FSH levels, duration and initial dose of Gn usage, number of assisted reproduction cycles, retrieved oocytes, embryos transferred, endometrial thickness on HCG day, and progesterone level on HCG day. The nomogram demonstrated an accuracy of 0.642 (95% CI: 0.605-0.679) in the training dataset and 0.652 (95% CI: 0.600-0.704) in the validation dataset. The predictive ability of the model was further improved using ensemble learning methods and achieved predicative accuracies of 0.725 (95% CI: 0.680-0.770) in the training dataset and 0.718 (95% CI: 0.675-0.761) in the validation dataset. The established prediction model in this study can help in prediction of clinical pregnancy rates following fresh embryo transfer in patients with endometriosis.

Body composition and aging: cross-sectional results from the INSPIRE study in people 20 to 93years old.

Aging is characterized by several major changes, including altered body composition, which is associated with numerous negative clinical consequences such as sarcopenia, osteoporosis, and frailty. The study is to evaluate body composition parameters depending on age and sex in a population ranging from the young adult to the very old, and to identify break points in the association between body composition and age. In this cross-sectional study, we included the enrolment population of the French INSPIRE-T prospective cohort, accounting for 915 subjects (62% female). Age ranged from 20 to 93years, median age (years) was 63 (IQR 27). Body composition (lean mass, fat mass, and bone mineral content) was assessed with dual-X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Different break points in the relationship between age and body composition variables in males and females were identified using a segmented regression analysis adjusted on physical activity, nutritional status, educational level, and comorbidities. Lean mass decreased from the age of 55years for males (CI 95% 44-66) and 31years for females (CI 95% 23-39). For fat mass, we observed a trend towards an increase with age for males. For females, we observed an increase with age up to age 75 (CI 95% 62-86), followed by a decreasing trend. In this study, we described the relationship between body composition and age as a function of sex, establishing a foundation for further studies on predictive biomarkers of age-related body composition alteration.

Knowledge and Utilization Practices of Oral Contraceptive Pills among Females of Reproductive Age: A Community Based Study

Knowledge and Utilization Practices of Oral Contraceptive Pills among Females of Reproductive Age: A Community Based Study

Impacts of 1.5 T MRI Static Magnetic Field on Biochemical and Enzyme Activity Parameters on Radiology Department Workers.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is an important diagnostic technique that uses powerful magnetic fields to generate detailed images of the human body. The aim of this study is to investigate to how static magnetic fields (SMF) affect the levels of trace elements and biochemical parameters in MRI staff' blood serum. This study examines the impacts of these exposures of 18 participants (9 males and 9 females) aged between 25 and 60.on the levels of trace elements in the blood serum and the biochemical parameters of the MRI staff at Azadi Teaching Hospital in Duhok and Zakho General Hospital-Bidari in Zakho City. Eighteen participants, consisting of nine males and nine females aged between 25 and 60, were selected from these hospitals. The researchers obtained blood samples and conducted analysis to determine the presence of trace elements (sodium, potassium, calcium, chloride) as well as numerous biochemical markers. The results showed that potassium and calcium levels increased with age, and older females had considerable deviations. Chloride levels exhibited a significant increase with age in both males and females. Glucose, creatinine, uric acid, and urea levels showed an increase with age, suggesting the possible damage to kidney function caused by continuous exposure to MRI. Increased levels of liver enzymes (GPT, GOT, ALP) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) were noticed, particularly in older females, indicating potential liver and thyroid dysfunction. These results highlight the importance of applying strict safety protocols and conducting regular health assessments for MRI personnel to minimize the possible hazards.

Dental Age Assessment Based on Developmental Stages and Maturity Index of Third Molars for Medico-Legal Purposes.

As results may vary depending on the method of examination, this paper analyzes methods of age estimation based on the maturation index of third molars (I3M) and Kohler's developmental stages in living individuals. A total of 1475 orthopantomograms were analyzed. The results showed that the development of third molars tended to be more advanced in males than in females. Regression equations that included the value of the developmental stage of the left third molar most accurately predicted chronologic age in males and females. Using the I3M method, there were no statistically significant bilateral differences between the mandibular right and left third molars. Overall, 82.92% of males and only 72.82% of females were correctly classified with the cut-off value (0.08) for the left mandibular third molar index. In addition, 81.97% of individuals were correctly classified as minors and adults using the Kohler method, while only 78.62% of individuals were correctly classified as minors and adults using the I3M method. Based on the misclassification of minors as adults, both methods should be used with caution and overestimation of age should be considered, especially for those close to 18 years of age.

Disparities in the Occurrence of Long-Term Effects of Bone Marrow Suppression after Treatment in Adolescent Young Adult Breast Cancer Survivors.

Many adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients with breast cancer (BC) receive adjuvant therapy as initial treatment, with long-term bone marrow suppression as a potential complication, but no studies have evaluated the impact of race/ethnicity on the development of bone marrow suppression in AYA BC survivors. Female patients ages 15-39 years diagnosed with BC (2006-2018) and surviving ≥ 2 years were identified from the California Cancer Registry and linked to statewide hospitalization data. We estimated the cumulative incidence of developing late effects of bone marrow suppression, such as leukopenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia, bleeding, and infection/sepsis, during hospital discharge diagnoses present ≥ 2 years after diagnosis. We examined the impact of sociodemographic and clinical factors on late effects using multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression. Of 11,293 patients, 42.8% were non-Hispanic (nH) White, 28.8% Hispanic, 19.5% nHAsian/Pacific Islander, and 7.5% nH Black. In multivariable analyses, nH Blacks had the highest risk (versus nH Whites) of anemia [hazard ratio (HR) 1.72, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.47-2.02], leukopenia (HR 1.56, CI 1.14-2.13), thrombocytopenia (HR 1.46, CI 1.08-1.99), major infection/sepsis (HR 1.64, CI 1.4-1.92), and bleeding (HR 1.89, CI 1.39-2.58). Hispanics had a higher risk of developing anemia (HR 1.17, CI 1.04-1.32), bleeding (HR 1.4, CI 1.12-1.76), and major infections/sepsis (HR 1.36, CI 1.21-1.52). Asian/Pacific Islanders had only a higher risk of developing bleeding (HR 1.33, CI 1.03-1.72). Patients from a low neighborhood socioeconomic status had a 20% higher risk of infection/sepsis (HR 1.21, CI 1.1-1.34), but there were no associations for the other late effects. We identified that AYAs of nH Black, Hispanic, and Asian/Pacific Islander race/ethnicity are at an increased risk of several late effects after adjuvant therapy compared with nH White patients. From these data, providers can implement early/frequent screening of hematologic late effects in these high-risk survivors.

Age structure of the Japanese treefrog – &lt;i&gt;Dryophytes japonicus&lt;/i&gt; (Amphibia, Anura, Hylidae) in the south of the Primorsky krai (Russian Far East)

The article presents the results of age structure studying in a population of the Japanese treefrog (Dryophytes japonicus) by skeletochronology. Animals were caught in the vicinity of Fokino town and Dunay settlement (Primorsky Krai, Russian Federation) in the third decade of July, 2022–2023. Cross sections of a finger’s phalanges were used as a registering structure. To es- timate age, preparations from 59 individuals (12 females and 47 males) were used. The body length of females and males was in a range of 29.40–44.80 mm (on average 38.50 ± 5.69) and 34.16–44.16 mm (on average 38.30 ± 2.36), respectively. The age of females and males varied in a range of 1–4 years (on average 2.7 ± 1.3) and 1–5 years (on average 2.2 ± 1.1), respectively. The modal age in females and males was 4 years (41.6 % of all studied individuals) and 1–2 years (63.8 %), respectively. The average age of males and females did not differ statistically significant- ly. Body length depended on age, in both females (r = 0.82, p &lt; 0.05) and males (r = 0.54, p &lt; 0.05). The expectancy longevity in females and males was 4.41 years (S = 0.744) and 3.76 years (S = 0.693), respectively. The growth of males stops after reaching puberty. Females continue to grow after maturation; that is why the most adult individuals are the largest ones. The growth rate coefficient (k) was higher in males (2.22) than in females (0.89). The authors note that in the south of the Primorsky Krai, D. japonicus is characterized by the minimum age of puberty and life longevity among all studied populations.

From Grandma to a Blogger: Female Aging on Instagram

This article presents a research study on the representation of aging women on Instagram, focusing on the content of four specific influencers. The study utilizes content analysis and categorization to understand the themes and subthemes present in the influencers' posts. The research methodology follows the principles of content analysis and aims to provide both quantitative and qualitative insights into the representation of aging women on the platform. The article also presents the use of a coding book to guide the categorization process and ensure the reliability and validity of the study. Additionally, it highlights the complexity and diversity of experiences related to aging women, as well as the challenges and opportunities of conducting research in the online environment. The study ultimately aims to contribute to a better understanding of the representations of aging women in digital spaces.

REPRODUCTIVE AGEING: Altered histone modification landscapes underpin defects in uterine stromal cell decidualization in aging females.

Advanced maternal age is associated with a higher rate of pregnancy complications that are unrelated to karyotypic abnormalities of the oocyte. This study shows that the murine uterine stroma undergoes profound epigenetic changes affecting active and repressive histone modification profiles that are associated with impaired endometrial functionality and underpin the decline in reproductive performance of aged females. Decidualization describes the transformation of the uterine stroma in response to an implanting embryo, a process critical for supporting the development of the early embryo, for ensuring normal placentation and ultimately for a healthy reproductive outcome. Maternal age has been found to impede the progression of decidualization, heightening the risk of reproductive problems. Here, we set out to comprehensively characterize this deficit by pursuing transcriptomic and epigenomic profiling approaches specifically in the uterine stromal cell (UtSC) compartment of young and aged female mice. We find that UtSCs from aged females are globally far less responsive to the decidualization stimulus triggered by exposure to the steroid hormones estrogen and progesterone. Despite an overall transcriptional hyperactivation of genes that are differentially expressed as a function of maternal age, the hormonally regulated genes specifically fail to be activated in aged UtSCs. Moreover, even in their unstimulated 'ground' state, UtSCs from aged females are epigenetically distinct, as determined by genomic enrichment profiling for the active and repressive histone marks H3K4me3 and H3K9me3, respectively. We find that many hormone-inducible genes exhibit a profound lack of promoter-associated H3K4me3 in aged UtSCs, implying that a significant enrichment of active histone marks prior to gene stimulation is required to enable the elicitation of a rapid transcriptional response. With this combination of criteria, our data highlight specific deficits in epigenetic marking and gene expression of ion channels and vascular markers. These results point to fundamental defects in muscle-related and perivascular niche functions of the uterine stroma with advanced maternal age.

Fertility decline in Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) mosquitoes is associated with reduced maternal transcript deposition and does not depend on female age.

Female mosquitoes undergo multiple rounds of reproduction known as gonotrophic cycles (GC). A gonotrophic cycle spans the period from blood meal intake to egg laying. Nutrients from vertebrate host blood are necessary for completing egg development. During oogenesis, a female prepackages mRNA into her oocytes, and these maternal transcripts drive the first 2 h of embryonic development prior to zygotic genome activation. In this study, we profiled transcriptional changes in 1-2 h of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) embryos across 2 GC. We found that homeotic genes which are regulators of embryogenesis are downregulated in embryos from the second gonotrophic cycle. Interestingly, embryos produced by Ae. aegypti females progressively reduced their ability to hatch as the number of GC increased. We show that this fertility decline is due to increased reproductive output and not the mosquitoes' age. Moreover, we found a similar decline in fertility and fecundity across 3 GC in Aedes albopictus. Our results are useful for predicting mosquito population dynamics to inform vector control efforts.

Estimation of age and sex from fingernail clippings by using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy coupled with chemometric interpretation.

Fingernails can act as important forensic evidence as they can be a source of DNA that may link the victim or accused to the crime scene and may also contain traces of drugs such as cocaine and heroin, in regular users. Moreover, previous studies have shown that analyzing fingernails with various techniques can reveal important information, such as age and sex. In this work, ATR-FTIR spectroscopy with chemometric tools has been used to estimate the age and sex from fingernails by analyzing 140 fingernail samples (70 males, and 70 females) collected from volunteers aged between 10 and 70 years old. The amide bands obtained from spectra confirmed the presence of keratin proteins in the samples. PCA and PLS-R were used for the classification of samples. For sex estimation, samples were divided into four categories based on age groups, followed by the differentiation of sex in each group. Similarly, for age estimation, all samples were divided into two sets based on male and female followed by differentiation of age groups in each set. The result showed that PLS-R was able to differentiate fingernail samples based on sex in groups G1, G2, G3, and G4 with R-square values of 0.972, 0.993, 0.991, and 0.996, respectively, and based on age in females, and males with R-square values of 0.93 and 0.97, respectively. External validation and blind tests were also performed which showed results with 100% accuracy. This approach has proved to be effective for the estimation of sex and age from fingernail samples.

Analysis of clinical features of 193 Chinese patients with McCune-Albright syndrome through a literature review

To retrospectively analyze the clinical characteristics of 193 Chinese patients with McCune-Albright syndrome (MAS). By using keywords "McCune-Albright syndrome", "Albright syndrome", or " fibrous dysplasia " as the search terms, 193 cases of MAS reported in China from January 1990 to November 2022 from the Wanfang data, CNKI, VIP, PubMed, and Embase databases were obtained, and their clinical data was retrospectively analyzed. Intergroup comparisons were carried out by using t test, Mann-Whitney U test, and X2 test. The 193 MAS patients had included 42 males and 151 females, with the median first-visit age of females being younger than males. The typical triad group had accounted for 46.1% of patients, and the middle first-visit and diagnosis age was younger than the atypical group. The primary reason for first-visit in males of MAS was fibrous dysplasia (FD), whilst that in females of MAS was peripheral precocious puberty (PPP). FD has occurred in 84.5% of the patients, with an average age of onset age being 6.1 years old, and 90% was ≤ 16 years of age. Endocrine hyperfunction was found in 79.3% of the patients, with a higher proportion in females compared with males (P < 0.05). Pituitary involvement was seen in 21.8% of the patients, and the incidence of craniofacial FD and cranial nerve compression was significantly higher in those with elevated growth hormone (GH) than without (P < 0.05). Café-au-Lait Spots were noted in 86.5% of the patients, and 28.3% (28/99) had located on the different side of FD. Most MAS patients had atypical manifestations and multi-systemic involvement. It is more common and occurs earlier in females. The most common reasons for initial diagnosis in male and female patients were FD and PPP, respectively. Patients with elevated GH should be examined for cranial nerve compression.