Female Genital Structures Research Articles

Description of genitalia of the poorly studied genus Relluna Schoorl, 1990 (Lepidoptera, Cossidae, Zeuzerinae)

The article provides a detailed description of the male and female genital structures of the type species of the poorly studied genus Relluna Schoorl, 1990 (Lepidoptera, Cossidae, Zeuzerinae), a brief diagnosis of the genus is given. The list of all examined material on the genus is provided; Relluna nurella Swinhoe, 1894 is reported for the fauna of Laos for the first time.

Genetic counseling in atypical genitalia: Challenges and proposed communication approach

Atypical genitalia (AG) is a rare condition in which a child’s external genitals are not properly distinguished. The genitals can be seen as incompletely developed or have both male and female internal and/or external genital structures. Identification of genetic causes in such children is important for appropriate genetic counseling. Genetic counseling in AG is very crucial and sensitive. Also, there are lots of challenges involved in offering and communicating the information to parents or individuals. The article highlights the challenges in counseling and proposes a simple communication approach in AG.

Traumatic copulation and counterpart female traits are widespread in fritillary butterflies (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Argynnini)

AbstractFemale fritillary butterflies (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Argynnini) are known to have diversified genital structures, especially at the entrance of the bursa copulatrix. However, the origin and function of such elaborated structures are poorly known to date. We examined the male and female genital structures of six Japanese species selected from five genera/subgenera [Argynnis (Argynnis), Argynnis (Damora), Argynnis (Argyronome), Fabriciana, and Speyeria] of the Argynnini tribe and found that traumatic copulation is widespread in Argynnini. Various male genital structures, such as the uncus, valva, and phallus, can cause wounds to the female genitalia. The eighth venter of the female, where the highest morphological diversity in female genitalia was detected, is hooked and held by the male uncus during copulation. It is very likely that the diversified female genital structure coevolved with the male uncus as a counterpart for traumatic coupling.

First record of the plant bug genus Punctifulvius Schmitz from the Oriental Region, with descriptions of three new species (Hemiptera, Heteroptera, Miridae, Cylapinae).

Three new species of the fungal-inhabiting plant bug genus Punctifulvius Schmitz, 1978 (Cylapinae: Fulviini) are described, namely P. aleksanderi n. sp. from Selangor, Malaysia, P. parvus n. sp. from East Kalimantan, Indonesia, and P. sakaerat n. sp. from Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand. The present discovery represents the first record of the genus from the Oriental Region. Punctifulvius members are now confirmed to be widespread from the cold temperate climatic zones in the eastern Palearctic regions, across the tropics of the Oriental Region, to the temperate rainforest of Australia. Punctifulvius kerzhneri Schmitz, 1978 is recorded from Taiwan for the first time. The systematic position of Teratofulvioides Carvalho & Lorenzato, 1978 is discussed, and its single species Teratofulvioides punctatus Carvalho & Lorenzato, 1978 is redescribed. Color adult habitus images of Punctifulvius aleksanderi, P. kerzhneri, P. parvus, P. sakaerat, and Teratofulvius punctatus, images of male (P. parvus and P. sakaerat) and female (P. aleksanderi) genitalic structures, as well as scanning electron micrographs of selected structures of P. aleksanderi, P. kerzhneri, P. parvus, P. sakaerat, and T. punctatus are provided. Key to the species of Punctifulvius is given.

Outside the pattern: Evolution of the genital asymmetry in Saicinae (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Reduviidae).

Despite genital structures in insects being consistently important as systematic and taxonomy evidence, within assassin bugs (Heteroptera, Reduviidae) at least, the male and female genitalic structures of several subfamilies are poorly or totally unknown. The genital structure is mostly symmetric within Saicinae genera, but male genital asymmetry has been recorded in Gallobelgicus, Polytoxus, and recently Pseudosaica. The subfamily has been considered as closely related to Emesinae and Visayanocorinae but this hypothesis has never been tested using a comprehensive taxa sampling, being a constraint to test morphological traits changes or exploring characters' evolution hypotheses. Here, we compiled a morphological data set of 170 characters that includes external morphological characters and genitalia of both sexes of Saicinae which was analyzed cladistically including 55 terminals, comprising 16 genera (64% of the generic diversity), 43 species of Saicinae and 12 outgroups. Saicinae was recovered as polyphyletic, Saicireta correntina is recovered as sister-species of Empicoris armatus + Collartida (Emesinae), Oncerotrachelus, Carayonia (Visayanocorinae), and the Clade Saicinae sensu stricto. Carayonia orientalis is recovered as sister-species of Saicinae sensu stricto. Ancestral state reconstruction of symmetry of the male genitalia shows an ancestor with symmetric male genitalia, two independent emergences of asymmetrical male genitalia within Saicinae sensu stricto, and the asymmetrical endosomal sclerites appearing before the other asymmetric traits.

Are males just passive? Coupling mechanism of the Brazilian cave insects with inverted genitalia.

Species of the Brazilian cave barklouse genus Neotrogla (Psocodea: "Psocoptera": Trogiomorpha: Prionoglarididae: Sensitibillini) are known to have a "female penis (gynosome)" that functions as an intromittent organ inserted into the membranous pouches in the simple male genital chamber during copulation to receive semen. However, the functions of other male and female genital structures and the copulatory processes of Neotrogla were completely unknown to date. Based on µCT observation of the male and female postabdomen and connected muscles both before and in copula, we clarified the functions of the male and female genital structures. In addition, based on the analyses of the established 3D models, we concluded that precise and rigid contact of multiple genital structures, and step-by-step releases of each holding mechanism achieved by the cooperation of both sexes are involved in the copulatory processes. The coevolution between the male and female genital structures in Neotrogla may provide a new example for the evolution of tolerance traits.

Gorczyciana sulawesica-a remarkable new plant bug genus and species(Heteroptera: Miridae: Cylapinae) from Indonesia.

Gorczyciana gen. nov., a new remarkable genus of the subfamily Cylapinae, tribe Fulviini, is described from Indonesia. The new species Gorczyciana sulawesica sp. nov. from Sulawesi is documented with photographic images, SEM micrographs of the selected body parts, and female genitalic structures. Identification key to the cylapine tribes and genera of the tribe Fulviini of the Oriental Region is also given.

(501) Past and Present Applications of Therapeutic Pelvic Massage

Abstract Introduction Pelvic massage is remarkable for being one of the oldest and most durable therapeutic medical practices, used for the treatment of genital disease from the Ancient world until the present day. Although it is most commonly associated with diseases of women, especially the historical diagnosis of hysteria, in our modern era pelvic massage is used to treat disease in all human beings regardless of sex. Through the progress of medical specialization and technology, pelvic massage has evolved to become a specialist tool utilized by a subset of physical therapists, augmented by instruments such as wands and especially vibrators. Objective To describe how the justification for and application of therapeutic pelvic massage has evolved through the Western history of medicine, as a lens through which to appreciate the limitations of our contemporary understanding of this practice. Methods Review of primary and secondary sources pertaining to pelvic massage as a treatment for disease, in historical and contemporary medical professional and popular literature. Results Since the earliest documented use of therapeutic pelvic massage to treat female patients in Ancient Egyptian medical texts, doctors have recommended internal and external genital stimulation for various reasons. For most of Western medical history, this intervention was principally used to treat various symptoms that were diagnosed as hysteria in female patients, according to the logic that a wandering womb or collection of ill-humors could be stimulated to migrate into proper position through this means. During the past century, our medical scientific understanding of women’s bodies has expanded beyond hysteria ideology, to better appreciate the anatomic and physiologic similarities between male and female genital and pelvic structures and disease conditions. This evolution has been accompanied by an expansion of the patient populations perceived to benefit from pelvic massage, to include not only females of reproductive age, but older women, men, and transgender patients. Ironically, at the same time that therapeutic pelvic massage has come to rest on a more scientifically sound foundation, its use by urologic and gynecologic surgeons decreased, and it is now practiced primarily by pelvic physical therapists and self-administered by patients utilizing pelvic wand and vibratory technologies. Conclusions Pelvic massage has stood the test of time as an empiric treatment for various diseases, but its etiologic justification has changed significantly over millennia. Whereas previously it was believed to treat specifically uterine disorders in hysterical women, it is now understood to affect the muscle and connective tissues of the pelvic floor, as well as secretory genital structures such as the vagina and prostate. Whether because of its previous attachment to now-defunct hysteria ideology or its current administration by non-physicians, the scientific study of pelvic massage continues to lag behind its application. As referrals to pelvic physical therapy and pelvic wand and vibrator sales increase, further study of the indications for and effects of these interventions is warranted to ensure the ethical and effective application of these resources. Disclosure No

Additional record of Tuponia Reuter (Heteroptera, Miridae, Phylinae) from Korea, with a new synonym and discussion on distribution.

The genus Tuponia Reuter, 1875 belongs to the subfamily Phylinae and comprises 91 species worldwide. Before this study, only T.koreana Kim & Jung had been recorded from the Korean Peninsula. Two species of Tuponia Reuter, 1910 are recognised from the Korean Peninsula including the first record of T.mongolica Drapolyuk, 1980. T.koreana Kim & Jung, 2021 is proposed as a junior synonym of T.chinensis Zheng & Li, 1992. The species is identified, based on the dorsal habitus and male and female genitalic structures. A brief discussion of the distribution of Korean Tuponia species also is presented.

First records of Pochazia shantungensis (Chou & Lu, 1977) (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Ricaniidae) in Italy

The invasive ricaniid species Pochazia shantungensis (Chou & Lu, 1977), an Asiatic pest in China and Korea, is reported for the first time in Italy. This is the fourth confirmed record from Europe after Turkey, France, and Germany. The list of the host plants recorded in Europe is given. Illustrations of male and female genital structures (external and internal) are also presented.

Three new subterranean species of the genus Speocera (Araneae, Ochyroceratidae) from caves of the Carajs area in the state of Par, Brazil.

Three new species of the spider genus Speocera Berland, 1914, collected in ferruginous caves in the Carajs region of Par state, Brazil are described: Speocera pinima sp. nov., S. babau sp. nov. and S. piquira sp. nov., all based on males and females. These are abundant species, which have morphological characteristics probably associated with isolation in the subterranean environment. Variation in the shape of the lateral eyes, which can be reduced, and in the eyes colloration bright or opalescent, were observed in all species in this study. These morphological variations may indicate that some populations are in the process of isolation and/or are distributed in different horizons of the subterranean environment, including the Milieu Souterrain Superficiel (MSS). An update of male and female genital structures and specializations to the subterranean environment are discussed.

A new species of Ilyobius Enderlein, 1910 (Megaloptera: Sialidae) from a threatened region in the Mantiqueira Mountain range (Brazil).

A new species of Ilyobius Enderlein, 1910 (Megaloptera: Sialidae) from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest is described based on male, female, and larva. Ilyobius erebus sp. nov. is the 11th species in this genus, and the fourth reported in Brazil. In addition, male and female genitalia of I. hauseri (Contreras-Ramos, Fiorentin Urakami, 2005) are redescribed based on the holotype and newly collected specimens at the type locality. Based on the current classification system, I. erebus sp. nov. is placed in the I. chilensis group, which was supported by male and female genital structures. The type locality of the new species is threatened by human impacts, and conservation of its habitat is needed.

Deletion of Wt1 during early gonadogenesis leads to differences of sex development in male and female adult mice.

Assessing the role of the WT1 transcription factor (WT1) during early gonad differentiation and its impact on adult sex development has been difficult due to the complete gonadal agenesis and embryonic lethality exhibited by Wt1KO mouse models. Here, we generated Wt1LoxP/GFP;Wt1Cre mice, the first Wt1KO mouse model that reaches adulthood with a dramatically reduced Wt1 expression during early gonadogenesis. Wt1LoxP/GFP;Wt1Cre mice lacked mature gonads and displayed genital tracts containing both male and female genital structures and ambiguous genitalia. We found that WT1 is necessary for the activation of both male and female sex-determining pathways, as embryonic mutant gonads failed to upregulate the expression of the genes specific for each genetic programme. The gonads of Wt1LoxP/GFP;Wt1Cre mice showed a lack of production of Sertoli and pre-granulosa cells and a reduced number of germ cells. NR5A1 and the steroidogenic genes expression was modulated differently in XY and XX Wt1LoxP/GFP;Wt1Cre gonads, explaining the mutant phenotypes. Further studies of the XX Wt1LoxP/GFP;Wt1Cre gonads revealed that deletion of WT1 at an early stage impaired the differentiation of several cell types including somatic cells and the ovarian epithelium. Through the characterisation of this Wt1KO mouse model, we show that the deletion of Wt1 during early gonadogenesis produces dramatic defects in adult sex development.

New records of pyraloid moths (Lepidoptera: Pyraloidea: Crambidae) from India

Four species of the family Crambidae (superfamily Pyraloidea) are reported for the first time from India, based on the material collected from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in 2018–2020, namely Glyphodes cosmarcha Meyrick, 1887, Palpita cirralis (Swinhoe, 1897), Pachynoa xanthochyta (Turner, 1933) and Pagyda arbiter (Butler, 1879). The diagnoses and the distributional data on these species are provided; the male and female genital structures are illustrated. The female of G. cosmarcha and the male and female genitalia of P. cirralis are described for the first time.

Cardiometabolic Diseases and Female Sexual Dysfunction: Animal Studies

BackgroundThe association between erectile dysfunction and cardiometabolic disease is well characterized; men are often diagnosed with cardiovascular disease 2–5 years following the incidence of erectile dysfunction. There is evidence that this relationship may also exist for cardiometabolic diseases and female sexual dysfunction (FSD) – particularly sexual arousal disorders. AimTo provide a summary of the preclinical literature related to the evidence of FSD in animal models of cardiometabolic diseases and indicate where further research is needed. MethodsA detailed Medline search of peer-reviewed publications was performed on the associations between animal models of cardiometabolic diseases, FSD and underlying mechanisms. OutcomesA summary of the preclinical evidence of FSD in animal models of cardiometabolic diseases. ResultsCommon methods for assessing female sexual arousal and physiology in animal models include: 1) behavioral assessments (apomorphine-induced genital vasocongestive arousal; hormone-dependent lordosis), 2) nerve-mediated vaginal and clitoral blood flow, 3) pudendal artery, vaginal and clitoral smooth muscle physiology (vasoreactivity and molecular biology), 4) morphology of genital tissues. Twenty-eight studies examined female animal models of atherosclerosis, hypertension, diabetes (type 1 and 2) and obesity. They showed functional alterations, including decreased lordosis, lubrication, or vaginal and clitoral blood flow, and structural impairments, such as increased clitoral and vaginal fibrosis. Several possible mechanisms have been described including increased TGF-β, renin angiotensin system and endothelin/rho-kinase signaling, increased reactive oxygen species, and decreased nitric oxide/cGMP signaling. Clinical TranslationIn line with existing clinical studies, preclinical evidence supports that cardiometabolic diseases alter female genital tissue's function and structure leading to impaired sexual arousal. Strengths and LimitationsThis masterclass paper gives an overview of the preclinical research assessing FSD in cardiometabolic disease. Limitations include the small number of studies that have assessed sexual function and arousal in female cardiometabolic animal models. ConclusionPreclinical evidence exists showing cardiometabolic diseases alter the structure and function of female genital tissues. However, similar to clinical studies, there are few studies to draw from, particularly in models of type 2 diabetes, obesity and metabolic syndrome. More studies are required using optimized animal models and methodology to confirm the mechanisms underlying cardiometabolic disease-induced FSD.Angulo J, Hannan JL. Cardiometabolic Diseases and Female Sexual Dysfunction: Animal Studies. J Sex Med 2022;19:408–420.

An apterous Tubulifera (Insecta, Thysanoptera, Phlaeothripidae) preserved in Spanish Cretaceous amber

ABSTRACT Tubuliferan Thysanoptera are extremely uncommon in the fossil record, thus little is our knowledge of their geological history. Here, we describe the first apterous Phlaeothripidae, and the eighth species of Tubulifera, for the entire Mesozoic. It corresponds to a small female preserved in Upper Albian amber of Peñacerrada II outcrop (Álava amber) in Spain. The specimen, described as Alavathrips moralesi nov. gen. et sp., has some critical well-preserved morphological features, as antennae, tarsi, female genital structures and the tube including its crown of apical setae. The Mesozoic tubuliferan family Rohrthripidae, known from the Barremian amber from Lebanon and the Cenomanian amber from Myanmar, is herein considered a junior synonym of Phlaeothripidae. The most relevant, ‘plesiomorphic’ feature of the new taxon is the proximal extreme of the tube not closed, but without a suture along the rest of the tube. The present discovery gives new insights into the origins and evolution of the species-rich extant family Phlaeothripidae, and the suborder Tubulifera.

Exploration of the homology among the muscles associated with the female genitalia of the three suborders of Psocodea (Insecta)

By using μCT technology, we reconstructed 3D models of the female genital structures and associated muscles of seven species from three suborders of Psocodea (free-living species only, formerly known as independent insect order “Psocoptera”). The homology of the female genital structures and associated muscles of different species is discussed. A total of 21 muscle groups were observed, and except for one muscle, all were homologized throughout the order. Moreover, some of the homologous muscles could be identified confidently in holometabolan insects. Using the muscles as landmarks, we discuss the homology of the ovipositor valves between Psocodea and other neopteran insects. Most importantly, the ovipositor of the suborder Trogiomorpha was identified to consist of the well-developed external valve (V3) plus a remnant of the dorsal valve (V2). We also examined the phylogenetic information included in the female genital muscles and found that certain muscles provide useful information and support deeper nodes (e.g., monophyly of the suborder Psocomorpha). The present study of female genital muscles not only helps us to better understand the phylogeny of Psocodea but also provides a solid foundation for research on muscle evolution.

Tarehylava, a new planthopper genus from Madagascar (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Ricaniidae)

A new monotypic genus of ricaniid planthoppers (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Ricaniidae), Tarehylava gen. nov., is described for T. avymaina sp. nov. (type species), based on four females collected in the spiny forest ecoregion of south-western Madagascar. Habitus, as well as external and internal female genital structures of the new genus and species are described and illustrated.

Size, shape, and direction matters: Matching secondary genital structures in male and female mites using multiple microscopy techniques and 3D modeling.

Studies of female genital structures have generally lagged behind comparable studies of male genitalia, in part because of an assumption of a lower level of variability, but also because internal genitalia are much more difficult to study. Using multiple microscopy techniques, including video stereomicroscopy, fluorescence microscopy, low-temperature scanning electron microscopy (LT-SEM), and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) we examined whether the complex sperm transfer structures in males of Megalolaelaps colossus (Acari: Mesostigmata) are matched by similarly complex internal structures in the female. While both LT-SEM and CLSM are well suited for obtaining high-quality surface images, CLSM also proved to be a valuable technique for observing internal anatomical structures. The long and coiled sperm transfer organ on the chelicera of the males (spermatodactyl) largely matches an equally complex, but internal, spiral structure in the females in shape, size, and direction. This result strongly suggests some form of genital coevolution. A hypothesis of sexual conflict appears to provide the best fit for all available data (morphology and life history).

Taxonomic revision of Teleogryllus mitratus (Burmeister, 1838) and T. occipitalis (Serville, 1838) in India, with the description of Teleogryllus rohinae Jaiswara amp; Jain sp. nov. and a key for Teleogryllus species from India (Orthoptera: Gryllidae).

The genus Teleogryllus is known from 52 species distributed worldwide, of which India is home to 11 species. We update Teleogryllus diversity by describing a new species, T. rohinae Jaiswara Jain sp. nov., from Kerala, India. In addition, we revise the description of the two widespread Teleogryllus species, i.e., T. mitratus (Burmeister, 1838) and T. occipitalis (Serville, 1838) and describe their female genital structures for the first time. Finally, we provide updated identification keys for all Indian Teleogryllus species.