Female Sterilization Research Articles

Role of vulvovaginal candidiasis infection in infertility: systematic review and meta-analysis.

To evaluate the relationship between fungal infection in the female genital tract and infertility. A systematic review was carried out, and the search was conducted in Medline, Embase, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library databases until August 2022. The search strategy used standardized keywords such as "candidiasis" and "infertility," combined with their respective synonyms. The search was limited to human studies, with no language restrictions. Primary articles that evaluated women of reproductive age with and without infertility and related to the presence or absence of candidiasis were included. For the analyses, the odds ratio association measure was used with a confidence interval of 95% using RevMan software (version 5.4). Eight studies, published between 1995 and 2021 in different countries around the world, were included in this systematic review. Two studies were excluded after sensitivity analysis. A total of 909 participants were included in the group of infertile women and 2363 women in the control group. The age of the evaluated women varied between 18 and 50 years. The random effect model was used and showed no significant difference when comparing candidiasis between fertile and infertile women (odds ratio: 1.44; 95% confidence interval 0.86, 2.41 p= 0.17). There was no association between candidiasis and female sterility.

Deciphering the SNP variations linked to female sterility in Dura fruit form of oil palm

Among the vegetable oils, palm oil which is obtained from African oil palm (Elaeisguineensis Jacq.) contributes a major share at the global oil trading centres. Taxonomically, oil palm belongs to the family Aricaceae (formerly known as Palmaceae), sub-family Arecoideae and the genus Elaeis. One breeding cycle of oil palm takes 15-18 years with lot of techniques involved in achieving good yield and oil quality of oil palm in a sustainable manner. Oil palm is a highly heterozygous and heterogeneous crop with high diversity in the germplasm (Babu et al. 2020). Oil palm can be divided into mainly three forms based on the shell thickness of the fruits i.e., dura, pisifera, and tenera, whereas another type of fruit form called macrocarya also exists but not common. Based on fruit color, oil palm is classified into two types i.e., Virescence and Nigrescence type. Nigrescence is the commonly found fruitcolor among the commercially grown oil palm farms. In terms of quality, palm oil has approximately equal distribution of saturated to unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs). Most of the oil palm breeding programmes in generating high yielding varieties were restricted to dura variety which is having thick shelled fruit form till the 1950s. Later, research efforts at some countries like Africa, Malaysia and Indonesia resulted in generation of various breeding populations originated from the four Bogorpalms and their progenies.

Why-UD? Assessing the requirement to trial an intrauterine device as a condition for elective sterilisation in female patients

Some National Health Service healthcare boards in the UK will approve a request for female sterilisation only if the patient first accepts a trial period of 1 year with an...

Prevalence and factors associated with female sterilization in Rwanda: evidence from the demographic and health survey data (2019–2020)

BackgroundFemale sterilization is a safe and effective surgical procedure of achieving contraception. There is disparity in the prevalence of female sterilization globally, with high income countries having higher rates than low- and middle-income countries. However, current evidence of the uptake of female sterilization in Rwanda is not known. We therefore evaluated the prevalence and factors associated with female sterilization among women of reproductive age in Rwanda.MethodologyThis was a secondary data analysis of 14,634 women of reproductive age (15–49) in Rwanda. The data utilized was from the Rwanda Demographic Health and Survey (RDHS) 2019/2020. The predictors of female sterilization were determined using multivariable binary logistic regression analysis.ResultsWe found that the prevalence of female sterilization was 1.1% among women of reproductive age in Rwanda. Women older than 35 years had about 8 times higher chance of being sterilized as compared to younger women (aOR: 7.87, 95% CI: 4.77–12.99). Women living with their partners had higher odds of being sterilized as compared to never married women (aOR: 19.23, 95% CI: 4.57–80.82), while women from minority religion are more likely to be sterilized as compared to those of the catholic religion (aOR: 2.12, 95% CI: 1.03–4.37). Women from rich household had a higher chance to be sterilized as compared to their counterparts from poor households (aOR: 3.13, 95% CI: 1.94–5.03). Women from the Western region were more likely to accept sterilization compared to women from Kigali (aOR: 2.025, 95% CI: 1.17–3.49) and women who had more than 5 children had higher odds when compared to women who had 5 or less children (aOR: 1.49, 95% CI: 1.06–2.10).ConclusionThe overall prevalence of sterilization among Rwandan women of reproductive age was 1.1%, which was very low as compared to India (29%), China (14.1%) and United States of America (13.7%). The age, marital status, religion, household wealth quintile, region and children ever born were associated with the uptake of female sterilization among Rwandan women. Public awareness campaign on the advantages of female sterilization should be done to improve uptake.

Different mechanisms of X-ray irradiation-induced male and female sterility in Aedes aegypti

BackgroundAedes aegypti (Ae. aegypti) is the major vector that transmits many diseases including dengue, Zika, and filariasis in tropical and subtropical regions. Due to the growing resistance to chemical-based insecticides, biological control methods have become an emerging direction to control mosquito populations. The sterile insect technique (SIT) deploys high doses of ionizing radiation to sterilize male mosquitoes before the release. The Wolbachia-based population suppression method of the incompatible insect technique (IIT) involves the release of Wolbachia-infected males to sterilize uninfected field females. Due to the lack of perfect sex separation tools, a low percentage of female contamination is detected in the male population. To prevent the unintentional release of these Wolbachia-infected females which might result in population replacement, a low dose of X-ray irradiation is deployed to sterilize any female escapees. However, it remains unclear whether these irradiation-induced male and female sterilizations share common mechanisms.ResultsIn this work, we set out to define the minimum dose of X-ray radiation required for complete female sterilization in Ae. aegypti (NEA-EHI strain). Further results showed that this minimum dose of X-ray irradiation for female sterilization significantly reduced male fertility. Similar results have been reported previously in several operational trials. By addressing the underlying causes of the sterility, our results showed that male sterility is likely due to chromosomal damage in the germ cells induced by irradiation. In contrast, female sterility appears to differ and is likely initiated by the elimination of the somatic supporting cells, which results in the blockage of the ovariole maturation. Building upon these findings, we identified the minimum dose of X-ray irradiation on the Wolbachia-infected NEA-EHI (wAlbB-SG) strain, which is currently being used in the IIT-SIT field trial. Compared to the uninfected parental strain, a lower irradiation dose could fully sterilize wAlbB-SG females. This suggests that Wolbachia-carrying mosquitoes are more sensitive to irradiation, consistent with a previous report showing that a lower irradiation dose fully sterilized Wolbachia-infected Ae. aegypti females (Brazil and Mexican strains) compared to those uninfected controls.ConclusionsOur findings thus reveal the distinct mechanisms of ionizing X-ray irradiation-induced male or female sterility in Ae. aegypti mosquitoes, which may help the design of X-ray irradiation-based vector control methods.

Determinants of Contraceptive Discontinuation among Homeless Women in Kenya

This paper examines factors affecting contraceptive discontinuity among homeless women in Kenya, using data from a sample of 384 homeless women. The findings were estimated using logistic regression. The estimated results from regression analysis show that living with a partner, drug use, health facility delivery, and knowledge of female sterilization and previously emigrating from an urban area, strongly encourage contraceptive discontinuation. The estimated results further show that being assisted by a midwife during delivery, earning above a dollar a day, and going through neonatal or pregnancy loss reduces incidences of contraceptive discontinuation. The study concludes with implications for policies that will encourage consistent use of contraceptives. These policies include the establishment of family planning programs to curb drug abuse and setting up family planning programs to educate women on the importance of initiating a form of contraception after incidences of abortions, stillbirths, or miscarriages. Other policy recommendations include the establishment of drug rehabilitation centers for women struggling with drug abuse and the provision of alternative sources of income. The government is also advised to train more midwives who can offer home based care for homeless women who cannot visit health centers.

Knockout of ovary serine protease Leads to Ovary Deformation and Female Sterility in the Asian Corn Borer, Ostrinia furnacalis.

Oogenesis in insects is a carefully orchestrated process, facilitating the formation of female gametes, which is regulated by multiple extrinsic and intrinsic factors, including ovary serine protease (Osp). As a member of the serine protease family, Osp is a homolog of Nudel, a maternally required protease defining embryonic dorsoventral polarity in Drosophila. In this study, we used CRISPR/Cas9-mediated mutagenesis to functionally characterize Osp in the Asian corn borer, Ostrinia furnacalis, a devastating maize pest throughout Asia and Australia. Building on previous knowledge, we hypothesized that knockout of Osp would disrupt embryonic development in O. furnacalis females. To examine this overarching hypothesis, we (1) cloned and characterized Osp from O. furnacalis, (2) designed target sites on exons 1 and 4 to construct a CRISPR/Cas9 mutagenesis system, and (3) documented phenotypic impacts among O. furnacalis Osp mutants. As a result, we (1) examined the temporal-spatial expression profiles of OfOsp, which has an open reading frame of 5648 bp in length and encodes a protein of 1873 amino acids; (2) established O. furnacalis Osp mutants; and (3) documented recessive, female-specific sterility among OfOspF mutants, including absent or deformed oviducts and reduced fertility in female but not male mutants. Overall, the combined results support our initial hypothesis that Osp is required for embryonic development, specifically ovarian maturation, in O. furnacalis females. Given its substantial impacts on female sterility, Osp provides a potential target for the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) to manage Lepidoptera pests in general and the species complex Ostrinia in particular.

Male fertility advantage within and between seasons in the perennial androdioecious plant Phillyrea angustifolia.

Androdioecy, the co-occurrence of males and hermaphrodites, is a rare reproductive system. Males can be maintained if they benefit from a higher male fitness than hermaphrodites, referred to as male advantage. Male advantage can emerge from increased fertility owing to resource reallocation. However, empirical studies usually compare sexual phenotypes over a single flowering season, thus ignoring potential cumulative effects over successive seasons in perennials. In this study, we quantify various components of male fertility advantage, both within and between seasons, in the long-lived perennial shrub Phillyrea angustifolia (Oleaceae). Although, owing to a peculiar diallelic self-incompatibility system and female sterility mutation strictly associated with a breakdown of incompatibility, males do not need fertility advantage to persist in this species, this advantage remains an important determinant of their equilibrium frequency. A survey of >1000 full-sib plants allowed us to compare males and hermaphrodites for several components of male fertility. Individuals were characterized for proxies of pollen production and vegetative growth. By analysing maternal progeny, we compared the siring success of males and hermaphrodites. Finally, using a multistate capture-recapture model we assessed, for each sexual morph, how the intensity of flowering in one year impacts next-year growth and reproduction. Males benefitted from a greater vegetative growth and flowering intensity. Within one season, males sired twice as many seeds as equidistant, compatible hermaphroditic competitors. In addition, males more often maintained intense flowering over successive years. Finally, investment in male reproductive function appeared to differ between the two incompatibility groups of hermaphrodites. Males, by sparing the cost of female reproduction, have a higher flowering frequency and vegetative growth, both of which contribute to male advantage over an individual lifetime. This suggests that studies analysing sexual phenotypes during only single reproductive periods are likely to provide inadequate estimates of male advantage in perennials.

X-rays are as effective as gamma-rays for the sterilization of Glossina palpalis gambiensis Vanderplank, 1911 (Diptera: Glossinidae) for use in the sterile insect technique

An area-wide integrated pest management strategy with a sterile insect technique (SIT) component requires a radiation source for the sterilisation of male insects. Self-contained gamma irradiators, which were exclusively used in past SIT programmes, are now facing increasing constraints and challenges due to stringent regulations. As a potential alternative, new generation high output X-ray irradiators have been proposed. The feasibility of using X-ray irradiators was assessed by comparing the effects of both gamma- and X-ray irradiators on biological parameters of Glossina palpalis gambiensis (Vanderplank, 1911), that are important for SIT applications. The gamma irradiator Foss Model 812 and two X-ray irradiators, the Rad Source 2400 and the blood irradiator Raycell Mk2 were used. Glossina palpalis gambiensis males were exposed to radiation as pupae. A radiation dose of 110 Gy or above induced more than 97% sterility in females that mated with the irradiated males for all the irradiators. Adult emergence rate, flight propensity, survival and mating performance did not differ between gamma- and X-rays irradiators. These results suggest that irradiating pupae with a dose of 110 Gy is optimal for both gamma-and X-ray irradiators used in this study, to achieve a sterility of approximately 99%. Similar research on other tsetse species could gradually phase out the use of gamma-ray irradiators in favour of X-rays irradiators, especially for smaller SIT programmes.

Prospects and Potential of Buckwheat (Fagopyrum spp) Production in Nepal: A Review

Buckwheat is one of the important but underexploited crop of Nepal. It ranks 6th position as a staple food crop and is cultivated from Terai to mid hills and mountains. It is cultivated as summer crop in mountains, autumn and spring crop in mid-hills and winter crop in Terai and inner terai. The major buckwheat producing districts of Nepal are Mustang, Humla, Dolpa, Mugu, Kalikot, Jumla, Rukum, Rolpa, Jajarkot, Kavre, Dolakha, Solukhumbu, Okhaldhunga and Taplejung. It is considered as a short duration, eco-friendly, drought tolerant, wider adoptive and rainfed loving crop with minimal requirement of plant nutrients, tilling, plant protection measures and other management practices. It plays an important role in the food and nutritional security of the people living in remote rural areas. Two buckwheat species; Fagopyrum. esculentum (Mithe phaper) and Fagopyrum. tataricum (Tite phapar) are cultivated in Nepal. It can withstand against various kinds of biotic and abiotic stresses and fit well in various multiple cropping systems. The area, production and productivity of buckwheat in Nepal during fiscal year 2021/022 is 13875 ha, 15917 tons and 1.15 tons ha-1, respectively. Several factors such as frost, drought, lack of high yielding varieties, lodging, self-incompatibility, female sterility, indeterminant growth habit, shattering is responsible for low yield. To increase the area, production and productivity of buckwheat in Nepal, immediate attention should be given by the researchers, development workers, local governments, and policy makers by developing and advocating location specific scientific interventions and policies.

Quinacrine - The Winding Road from the Most Important Antimalarial of Its Time to an Indispensable Antiparasitic (Orphan) Drug of our Days.

Quinacrine, the main antimalarial drug during World War II, has had a chequered history that included the successful repurposing as an intrapleural sclerosant for the treatment of malignant pleural effusions, a non-surgical method of female sterilisation, and the use as an immunomodulatory drug in lupus erythematosus. While no longer used for these former indications, quinacrine (re)emerged as an indispensable second-line drug for the treatment of nitroimidazole-refractory Giardia duodenalis infections, and thus depicts an indispensable "orphan drug".

Use of Female Sterilization and associated Factors among Women of Reproductive Age in Malawi

Background: Malawi has witnessed an increase in the uptake of female sterilization, making it one of the few countries having a high prevalence of female sterilization on the continent. The factors responsible for the high uptake of female sterilization are not known. Objective: The main objective of this study was to establish the factors associated with the use of female sterilization in Malawi. Methods: In the study, the 2015-16 Malawi Demographic and Health Survey has been used. The chi-square test and multivariate binary logistic regression were used to explore the factors influencing the uptake of female sterilization in the country. Results: Results showed the prevalence of female sterilization to be 18.1% as a method of contraception. Women residing in the Northern Region (OR=1.587, 95% CI=1.276-1.972; p=0.000) and the Central Region (OR=2.387, 95% CI=2.084-2.734; p=0.000), with no education (OR=2.102, 95% CI=1.634-2.703; p=0.000) and primary education (OR=1.488, 95% CI=1.206-1.835; p=0.000), who had not been visited by a field worker in the last twelve months (OR=2.252, 95% CI=1829-2.774; p=0.000) or had not visited a health centre in the last twelve months (OR=1.860, 95% CI=1.634-2.117; p=0.000), had higher odds of being sterilized. While women who were not working (OR=0.771, 95% CI=0.664-0.894; p=0.000), aged 30 years or less (OR=0.104, 95% CI=0.0.79-0.136; p=0.000), poor (OR=0.599, 95% CI=0.510-0.704; p=0.000), having middle wealth status (OR=0.744, 95% CI=0.626-0.883; p=0.000), having no child (OR=0.163, 95% CI=0.119-0.223; p=0.000) or 1-2 children (OR=0.408, 95% CI=0.352-0.473; p=0.000), and not being aware or having heard regarding family planning from television (OR=0.769, 95% CI=0.603-0.981; p=0.000), had lower odds of using female sterilization. Conclusion: According to African standards, the use of female sterilization in Malawi is high. The factors associated with the use of female sterilization include a high level of education, residing in the Central or Northern Region, aging 30 years and above, having been visited by a field worker in the past 12 months, having visited a health facility in the past 12 months, having heard regarding family planning on TV in the past few months, work status, wealth, and children ever born. These factors should be considered when planning future contraceptive strategies to improve the uptake of female sterilization. Family planning programs should also aim at economic empowerment for women.

Radial compliance of porcine Fallopian tubes ex vivo – perspectives for the development of a gynecological microstent

Abstract Fallopian tube occlusions represent one of the most common causes of female sterility. As an innovative treatment approach for affected persons, we previously presented the concept of a novel polymeric, self-expanding, and bioresorbable microstent. As a basis for microstent development, knowledge of the mechanical properties of the anatomical target structure represents a crucial requirement. The current work describes a methodological approach for the experimental determination of radial Fallopian tube compliance using optical coherence tomography. It could be shown that a quantitative assessment of the mechanical properties of porcine Fallopian tube samples - as a whole anatomical structure including the Tunica mucosa, the Tunica muscularis, and the Tunica serosa - is possible, using the described test setup. Future investigations on human samples will allow for valuable information regarding the structural-mechanical properties of the Fallopian tube. Therefore, the current work offers perspectives for the development of a novel gynecological microstent for the treatment of Fallopian tube occlusions.

Hypericum roeperianum bark extract suppresses breast cancer proliferation via induction of apoptosis, downregulation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling cascade and reversal of EMT

Ethnopharmacological relevanceHypericum roeperianum is a medicinal spice traditionally used in West Africa to treat female sterility, fungal infections, and cancer. It has previously been reported that H. roeperianum exhibits cytotoxic potential by reducing the viability of cancer cells involving multidrug-resistant phenotypes, but its underlying molecular mechanism remains unknown. Aim of the studyThe mechanistic involvement of H. roeperianum methanolic crude extract (HRC) in attenuating breast cancer progression by exploring the effects on mitochondrial apoptosis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) was investigated. Materials and methodsIn the present study, we examined the anticancer properties of HRC through MTT assay, colony formation, wound healing assay, spheroid formation, DNA fragmentation and flow cytometry for cell cycle arrest, apoptosis (Annexin V/PI staining) and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) (JC-1) detection. In addition, western blot analysis of various proteins and quantitative real time PCR of various genes involved in apoptosis, EMT and the PI3K/Akt/mToR signal transduction pathway were performed. ResultsThis study revealed that HRC treatment significantly decreased breast cancer cell viability, colony forming efficiency and reduced the ability of cell migration and spheroid formation. HRC also induced apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 via promoting G0/G1 cell cycle arrest, disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential and induction of DNA damage. The crude extract induced apoptosis by activating the intrinsic pathway with a stronger effect that relies on the combined potency of associated molecular markers including Bax, Bad, Bcl-2, cytochrome C, caspase-9, and cleaved-PARP. It was also found that HRC regulates the PI3K/Akt/mToR pathway. In addition, HRC inhibited EMT by expressional alteration of Vimentin and E-cadherin, as well as the regulatory transcription factors such as Snail and Slug. The in vitro findings reflected similar mechanistic approach in 4T1 cell induced syngeneic mice model, indicating the reduction of tumor volume along with the significant expressional alteration of EMT and apoptotic markers. ConclusionTaken together the findings concluded that H. roeperianum is a potential source of cytotoxic phytochemicals that exhibit abortifacient effect on breast cancer, both in vitro and in vivo, thus could further be utilized in breast cancer therapy.

Functional analysis of WOX family genes in Dendrobium catenatum during growth and development.

The WUSCHEL-Related Homeobox (WOX) family is a group of transcription factors unique to plants that play an important role in regulating key developmental processes such as stem cell maintenance and organ morphogenesis. As a rare and valuable Chinese herb, Dendrobium catenatum has a unique epiphytic lifestyle and growth and developmental characteristics, and a functional investigation of its WOX family genes can help to further understand the conserved and specific development of D. catenatum. In this study, we analyzed the phylogeny, spatio-temporal expression pattern and heterologous expression function of D. catenatum WOX family genes (DcWOX). The results showed that members of the D. catenatum WOX gene family could be divided into three evolutionary branches with significantly different tissue expression profiles. In transgenic Arabidopsis, overexpression of DcWOX4 resulted in significant dwarfism, pinnately leaf margins, and delayed flowering for 2 weeks; overexpression of DcWOX9 resulted in plant dwarfing, serrated leaf margin, delayed flowering for 1 week, and even male and female sterility in strong phenotype plants; overexpression of DcWOX11 caused curl downward leaf. The abnormal morphogenesis of DcWOX4/9/11 overexpression Arabidopsis leaves are related to the down-regulation of TCP family genes, CUC family genes and the up-regulation of KNOX family genes; Postponement of flowering is related to down-regulation of early flowering genes such as FT, SOC1 and CO. Therefore, this study showed that D. catenatum WOX family genes have important functions in regulating plant morphogenesis, leaf development, flowering time and fertility, further expanding the understanding of the WOX gene family function, and providing clues for the conservation and specificity during orchid development and evolution.

Explaining sex discrepancies in sterilization rates in the United States: An evidence-informed commentary.

With abortion no longer deemed a constitutional right in the United States (US), the importance of effective contraceptive methods cannot be overstated. Both male sterilization (vasectomy) and female sterilization (tubal ligation) have the lowest failure rates of available means of contraception. Despite the less invasive and reversible nature of vasectomy compared to tubal ligation procedures and even though some healthcare professionals dissuade certain women, especially those who are white and/or economically advantaged, from undergoing a sterilization procedure, female sterilization is approximately three times more prevalent than male sterilization in the US. We suggest that the discrepancy in sterilization rates is attributable to the burdens of pregnancy and birth experienced by women, beliefs that pregnancy prevention is a woman's responsibility, a dearth of sex education that results in lack of knowledge and poor understanding of contraception, perceptions of masculinity in which contraception is viewed as feminizing, and the increase in long-term singlehood that shapes the desire of individuals to avoid unwanted pregnancy that may result in single parenting. Recent reports suggest that court rulings restricting abortion access and looming threats to contraceptive legality and accessibility may be prompting a national increase in male sterilization.

Sexual and reproductive health problems among women with mental illness attending tertiary care psychiatric outpatient clinic in India: A cross-sectional study.

Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) is a vital concern among women with mental illness (WMI) due to the increased risk for unplanned pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and poor obstetric outcomes. Objective of the study was to explore the current use of family planning (FP) methods, symptoms of STIs and sexual dysfunction among WMI. This descriptive study involved 404 WMI of reproductive age (18-49 years) attending tertiary care psychiatric outpatient clinics in India. During face-to-face interviews, centers for disease control and prevention (CDC)-reproductive health assessment toolkit-FP questionnaire, STI questionnaire and Female sexual function index (FSFI) were used to collect the data. Of 404 WMI, 261(64.6%) were users, and 137 (33.9%) were non-users of FP methods. About 6(1.5%) WMI did not respond FP methods question. Female sterilization was the highest among the users, 244(93%). Among non-users, 100 (73%) were unaware of choosing the effective method of FP. Most of the WMI, 377(93.3%), were unaware of STIs. The symptoms of STI reported include unusual genital discharge 62(15.3%) and genital ulcers/ sores 58(14.4 %). Most of them, 76(63.3%), were not on any treatment. The most common reason for not taking treatment was feeling ashamed 70(92.1%). Female sexual dysfunction was reported in 176(43.6%). Most of the WMI had difficulties in the arousal domain 288(71.3%), followed by low desire 233(57.7%) and dissatisfaction 186(46%). Most WMI underwent sterilization. Non-users of FP methods were not aware of choosing the effective method. Awareness about STIs was poor, and feeling ashamed was the primary reason for not availing of medical help. Nearly half of the WMI reported sexual dysfunction, among which arousal difficulties, low desire and dissatisfaction were common. Health professionals need to increase awareness about FP methods and symptoms of STIs among WMIs. Women require appropriate counselling regarding SRH and treatment for sexual dysfunction.

Differences in reproductive function between terminal and lateral flowers in the capitulum of Albizia julibrissin (Fabaceae) based on female fertility, ovule number, and pistil and polyad size

AbstractThe division of labor between florets responsible for reproduction and special functions occurs widely in condensed inflorescences. The capitulum of Albizia julibrissin consists of approximately 10–20 lateral flowers and usually one nectar‐secreting terminal flower; the two flower types are morphologically distinct, but the differences in reproductive function have not been revealed. To determine the differences in reproductive function between terminal and lateral flowers, we compared the ratio of terminal and lateral flowers at the flowering and young pod stages. Additionally, ovule number, stigma size, polyad size, and the ratio of flower abscission were compared between the two flower types. Significant differences were detected only in female fertility between the two flower types. At the flowering stage, 6.8% of flowers were terminal flowers, whereas at the young pod stage, all young fruits were obtained from lateral flowers. At the final stage of blooming, based on the generalized linear model analysis, the ratio of surviving terminal flowers was lower than that of the lateral flowers in a capitulum. These results suggest that the terminal flowers of A. julibrissin had female sterility or, at least, female fertility was lower than in lateral flowers. Therefore, it is necessary to reexamine some previous studies that assumed A. julibrissin to be andromonoecious with hermaphroditic terminal flowers and male lateral flowers. Further comparisons of the quality of ovules and polyads are necessary to clarify whether there is a division of labor between the terminal and lateral flowers in A. julibrissin.

Ornamental Invasive Plants in Florida with Research-founded Alternatives

The ornamental horticulture industry has long been significant in its vast economic contributions to the US agricultural sector, with Florida ranking second in nursery and greenhouse plant sales. A small proportion of introduced plants eventually escape cultivation and become invasive, leaving fragile ecosystems at risk. In response, a series of propagation and production research studies have been conducted over the years to 1) evaluate the female sterility and landscape performance of cultivars and/or hybrids of ornamental invasives, and 2) develop reliable propagation systems of novel or underused natives having ornamental and ecological value. Attractive, fruitless selections of popular species such as butterfly bush (Buddleja sp.), heavenly bamboo (Nandina domestica), Mexican petunia (Ruellia simplex), lantana (Lantana strigocamara), trailing lantana (Lantana montevidensis), privet (Ligustrum sp.), maiden silvergrass (Miscanthus sp.), and fountain grass (Pennisetum sp.) have been identified as suitable non-native alternatives to the invasive or potentially invasive resident species (wild type). Simultaneously, researchers have taken a closer look at native plant alternatives that may offer similar aesthetic traits as invasive plants, while bringing added biodiversity and function for more ecologically friendly landscapes and gardens. As such, successful multisite trialing and/or propagation systems have been developed for a number of species native to Florida, such as squareflower (Paronychia erecta), coastalplain honeycombhead (Balduina angustifolia), wireweeds (Polygonella sp.), blue porterweed (Stachytarpheta jamaicensis), wild coffees (Psychotria sp.), sweet acacia (Vachellia farnesiana), and wild lime (Zanthoxylum fagara). With pronounced marketing and consumer education, it is hopeful that together sterile cultivars and native species will ultimately replace wild-type forms of commercially available ornamental invasives. This paper summarizes the current status of ornamental invasives in Florida and the role of native species and sterile non-native cultivars.

Whole exome sequencing identifies a novel homozygous missense mutation of LHCGR gene in primary infertile women with empty follicle syndrome.

The genetic basis of empty follicle syndrome (EFS) is largely unknown, and the aim of this study was to investigate the genetic causes of EFS in primary infertile women. Four affected women diagnosed with anovulation were recruited, and whole exome sequencing (WES) was requested for the genetic diagnosis of the cases. One hundred healthy controls were verified by Sanger sequencing. A novel homozygous variant of the LHCGR gene (NM_000233:c.1847C>A) was revealed in one affected individual by WES. Trios analysis of the mutation revealed an autosomal recessive pattern. This LHCGR variant was absent in 100 healthy controls and predicted to be highly damaging to the function of LHCGR. The novel variant extends the mutational spectrum of the LHCGR gene associated with female sterility, which promotes the prognostic value of testing for LHCGR mutations in infertile women with EFS.