Hermaphrodite Research Articles

Progress of diagnosis and clinical management of congenital adrenal hyperplasia

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is a group of autosomal recessive disorders.Clinical manifestations can be hermaphroditism, pseudo-precocious puberty or acute infant adrenal crisis.The wide range of CAH symptom spectrums may lead to miss or misdiagnosis in those who had atypical clinical features.The common forms of CAH are caused by deficiency in 21-hydroxylase enzymes, 11β-hydroxylase, 3β-steroid dehydrogenase, 17α-hydroxylase and so on, while the most common form of CAH is 21-Hydroxylase deficiency (>90%). The basic principal clinical management of CAH is lifelong therapy using corticosteroids.This paper review and summarize the recent progress on the diagnosis, principles of treatment and long-term prognosis of CAH. Key words: Congenital adrenal hyperplasia; Progress; Prenatal diagnosis; Prenatal treatment; Final height; Fertility counseling

La doppia prospettiva della S capovolta in Sarrasine di Balzac

The mise en abyme in Sarrasine, a short story written by Balzac in 1831, is an interesting example of the metaphor of the literary window. This paper starts from the analysis of windows’ basic architectural functions, because the mise en abyme structure allows Balzac to describe the secrets of a mysterious character at a party just as an observer at the window: inside and outside the plot as inside and outside the space. The view from a window is generally limited by a frame and by the transparency of glass. In Sarrasine these limits are symbolized by the artistic creative process. The story is about a castrato named Zambinella, and a portrait situated into Lanty’s house is the pretext to explain his relation with the family. Zambinella’s androgyny is a Leitmotiv in Sarrasine, but the characters fascinated by his ambiguity are both disgusted and attracted when they discover the real nature of his sex. Maybe Balzac underlined the importance of seeing through the glass because he aimed to denounce the sexual censorship around intersexuality. The mise en abyme as a window shows how reality is susceptible of a double lecture – active and passive – and the hermaphrodite himself represents the denial of a too strict division between sexual genders.

The evolutionary origins and consequences of self-fertility in nematodes.

Self-fertile hermaphrodites have evolved from male/female ancestors in many nematode species, and this transition occurred on three independent occasions in the genus Caenorhabditis. Genetic analyses in Caenorhabditis show that the origin of hermaphrodites required two types of changes: alterations to the sex-determination pathway that allowed otherwise female animals to make sperm during larval development, and the production of signals from the gonad that caused these sperm to activate and fertilize oocytes. Comparisons of C. elegans and C. briggsae hermaphrodites show that the ancestral sex-determination pathway has been altered in multiple unique ways. Some of these changes must have precipitated the production of sperm in XX animals, and others were modifying mutations that increased the efficiency of hermaphroditic reproduction. Reverse genetic experiments show that XX animals acquired the ability to activate sperm by co-opting one of the two redundant pathways that normally work in males. Finally, the adoption of a hermaphroditic lifestyle had profound effects on ecological and sexual interactions and genomic organization. Thus, nematode mating systems are ideal for elucidating the origin of novel traits, and studying the influence of developmental processes on evolutionary change.

Sex, Identity and Hermaphrodites in Iberia, 1500-1800

Sex, Identity and Hermaphrodites in Iberia, 1500-1800

Summary of surgical experience of 14 cases hermaphroditism

Objective To evaluate the surgical therapy for hermaphrodites.Methods Retrospective analysis the clinical data of 14 cases of different types of hermaphrodites treated in our hospital from Jan.1995 to Dec.2012,including 4 cases of female pseudohermaphrodite,2 cases of male sex reversal syndrome,3 cases of male pseudohermaphrodite and 5 cases of true hermaphrodites.The gender selection and the following surgical treatment were provided according to patients' protopathy,age,social gender,their desires and their parents' wishes.Results Out of 14 cases,10 cases were operated to women (4 cases of female pseudohermaphrodite,1 case of male pseudohermaphrodite,5 cases of true hermaphrodites),4 patients were operated to men (2 cases of male sex reversal syndrome,2 cases of male pseudohermaphrodite).The operation is relatively easy for the patients who are operated to female,and they all have well developed secondary sexual characteristics and satisfied sexual function after 3 to l0 years of follow-up.For the 4 patients who were operated to male,their penis and testicles are well developed,and 1 case had already entered adolescent period,whose morning erection can be seen normally but no spermatorrhea detected.Further observation is necessary to decide whether he has reproductive function.Conclusions The diagnosis and treatment for children external genitalia malformations should be taken as early as possible.A reasonable choice of gender,the appropriate surgical correction,and hormone replacement therapy in some cases,are feasible treatment with satisfactory effect. Key words: Hermaphroditism; Surgical procedures, elective

EFFECT OF METHYLTESTOSTERONE ON THE FORMATION OF THE CANESTRINI'S ORGAN IN FEMALE COBITIS TAENIA BILINEATA CANESTRINI (COBITIDAE OSTEICHTHYES)

SUMMARY The treatment of female or female phase specimens of Cobitis taenia bilineata Canestrini with 100 μg of methyltestosterone/litre of aquarium water induced the formation of Canestrini's organ and a thickening of the 2nd ray of the pectoral fin. These experimental results, correlated with observations in nature, indicate that Canestrini's organ is a hormonally controlled secondary sex character which develops fully in males and male phase individuals of this partially protandrous hermaphrodite species.

MALE INTERSEXES IN OPHRYOTROCHA LABRONICA LA GRECA & BACCI (ANNELIDA POLYCHAETA)

SUMMARY Hermaphroditic populations with self-fertilization and many gonochoric populations have been described in the marine polychaete Ophryotrocha labronica La Greca & Bacci (Annelida). The examination of a gonochoric poulation collected in the Gulf of Naples has pointed to the existence of a few intersexes. The presence of this new sexual phenotype confirms the wide sexual variability of the species and moreover it suggests that the degree of sexual lability in gonochoric strains changes from one population to another.

STRUCTURE AND ULTRASTRUCTURE OF THE MOLLUSCAN PROSTATE

SUMMARY In Aplysia depilans Gmelin an actual and well differentiated prostate does not exist. The functions of this organ are probably accomplished by a large number of secretory cells placed along folds in the wall of the oviducal groove of the large hermaphrodite duct. Cells of the same kind are also contained inside diverticula arising from the external wall of the groove itself. This should be a first indication almost of the formation of a prostate as an organ in itself, placed outside the male gonoduct and independent of them within certain limits. Structure and ultrastructure of the prostatic tissue of the species examined so far by the Author, and represented, besides Aplysia depilans Gmelin, by Milax gagates (Draparnaud), Vaginulus borellianus (Colosi), and Laevicaulis alte (Ferussac), apart from a few differences in details, are quite similar. This tissue appears to be formed everywhere by two different types of epithelial cells: one secretory the other with no secretory activity, usually evenly...

THE IDENTIFICATION OF THYROTROPIN-SECRETING CELLS IN THE PITUITARY GLAND OF THE HERMAPHRODITE SYNCHRONOUS TELEOST SERRANUS SCRIBA (L.)

SUMMARY Adult specimens of the hermaphrodite synchronous teleost, Serranus scriba were treated with methyl-thiouracil in order to identify the TSH secreting cells in the adenohypophysis. The thyroid of treated animals becames goitrous with hypertrophy of the follicles, which became lined with columnar epithelium. In the adenohypophysis the PAS and TP cells of the rostro-ventral cords accumulated their secretion. The basophils of peripheral cords of the gland and those distributed along the ramification of the neurohypophysis in the adenohypophysis were not affected by this treatment. Morphological changes of the thyroid gland during reproduction were also studied when an increase in the number of thyroid follicles was observed. During this period they were lined with a columnar epithelium. These changes are in correlation with the number of basophil cells of the adenohypophysis.

COMPARATIVE RESEARCH ON THE SEXUALIZATION OF FISSIPAROUS PLANARIANS TREATED WITH SUBSTANCES CONTAINED IN SEXUAL PLANARIANS

SUMMARY Previous research had shown that asexual specimens of fissiparous Dugesia gonocephala s.l. stopped fissioning and developed a hermaphroditic genital apparatus if fed for several weeks on the crushed tissues of sexually mature Polycelis nigra Ehr., a non-fissiparous planarian. The present research shows that the sexualizing substance, probably a neurosecretion, is also present in the tissues of sexually mature Dugesia lugubris s.l., Dugesia dorolocephala (Woodworth), Dugesia anceps Kenk and Dendrocoelum lacteum (O. F. Muller), in concentrations which may differ according to the species but without any zoological specificity. There is a clear different in the capacity of each fissiparous species or strain to react to the sexualizing substances: while many asexual strains of Dugesia gonocephala s.l., Dugesia tigrina (Girard) and Dugesia Pdorotocephala (race from Sabino) reacted more-or-less positively to the treatment, agamic Dugesia dorotocephala, Dugesia mediterranea Benazzi et al. (fissiparous rac...

Studies in AndeanOcotea(Lauraceae) II. Species with Hermaphrodite Flowers and Densely Pubescent Lower Leaf Surfaces, Occurring Above 1000 Meters in Altitude

A revision of the Andean species of Ocotea Aubl. (Lauraceae) with hermaphrodite flowers and the lower leaf surface completely covered by the pubescence is presented. A key to the 22 recognized species is provided. Fourteen species are described as new: O. comata van der Werff, O. micrantha van der Werff, and O. stenophylla van der Werff from Bolivia; O. gentryi van der Werff, O. pedicellata van der Werff, and O. umbrina van der Werff from Colombia; O. loxensis van der Werff, O. palaciosii van der Werff, O. pautensis van der Werff from Ecuador; O. andina van der Werff, O. glabriflora van der Werff, O. pajonalis van der Werff, and O. trematifera van der Werff from Peru; and finally, the single species O. guaramacalensis van der Werff from Venezuela. Lectotypification is provided for the name O. jelskii Mez.

Of Sodomites, Effeminates, Hermaphrodites, and Androgynes: Sodomy in the Age of Peter Damian

Of Sodomites, Effeminates, Hermaphrodites, and Androgynes: Sodomy in the Age of Peter Damian

Value of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of hermaphroditism

Objective To evaluate the clinical value of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of hermaphroditism.Methods Ultrasonographic appearances of 45 cases with hermaphroditism were reviewed retrospectively,and the results were compared with clinical data.Results All cases were confirmed pathologically.5 cases showed true hermaphroditism (11.1％),14 cases showed male pseudohermaphroditism (31.1 ％),24 cases showed female pseudohermaphroditism (53.3 ％),2 cases showed gonadal dysgenesis(4.4％).Compared with pathological results in the ultrasound examination,4 cases showed true hermaphroditism,the coincidence rate was 80％.11 cases showed male pseudohermaphroditism,the coincidence rate was 78.6％.20 cases showed female pseudohermaphroditism,the coincidence rate was 83.3％.1 cases showed gonadal dysgenesis,the coincidence rate was 50.0％.Conclusions Ultrasonography can not only evaluate internal reproductive organs in the patients,but also estimate the site,size,morphology and structure,which provides important imaging evidence for the clinical diagnosis and treatment. Key words: Ultrasonography; Hermaphroditism; Genitalia

Hidden voices of hermaphrodites

Hidden voices of hermaphrodites

Differential costs of reproduction in females and hermaphrodites in a gynodioecious plant.

Plants exhibit a variety of reproductive systems where unisexual (females or males) morphs coexist with hermaphrodites. The maintenance of dimorphic and polymorphic reproductive systems may be problematic. For example, to coexist with hermaphrodites the females of gynodioecious species have to compensate for the lack of male function. In our study species, Geranium sylvaticum, a perennial gynodioecious herb, the relative seed fitness advantage of females varies significantly between years within populations as well as among populations. Differences in reproductive investment between females and hermaphrodites may lead to differences in future survival, growth and reproductive success, i.e. to differential costs of reproduction. Since females of this species produce more seeds, higher costs of reproduction in females than in hermaphrodites were expected. Due to the higher costs of reproduction, the yearly variation in reproductive output of females might be more pronounced than that of hermaphrodites. Using supplemental hand-pollination of females and hermaphrodites of G. sylvaticum we examined if increased reproductive output leads to differential costs of reproduction in terms of survival, probability of flowering, and seed production in the following year. Experimentally increased reproductive output had differential effects on the reproduction of females and hermaphrodites. In hermaphrodites, the probability of flowering decreased significantly in the following year, whereas in females the costs were expressed in terms of decreased future seed production. When combining the probability of flowering and seed production per plant to estimate the multiplicative change in fitness, female plants showed a 56 % and hermaphrodites showed a 39 % decrease in fitness due to experimentally increased reproduction. Therefore, in total, female plants seem to be more sensitive to the cost of reproduction in terms of seed fitness than hermaphrodites.

The Chelidonura tsurugensis–sandrana (Gastropoda: Cephalaspidea) species complex: do reproductive decisions maintain colour polymorphism?

Cephalaspid gastropod molluscs are increasingly being utilized in studies of tradeoffs associated with conflicts in simultaneous hermaphroditic reproduction. Chelidonura sandrana exhibits a wide range of colour forms, from black to yellow-spotted or marked with white. One of these colour morphs was described as Chelidonura tsurugensis Baba & Abe, 1959, while others have been accepted as natural variation within C. sandrana Rudman, 1973. Previous work has mostly assumed (1) that colour forms represent the same species and (2) that reproductive behaviour does not differ among colour forms. Mating behaviour between three co-occurring colour forms (simplified to ‘black’, ‘yellow’ and ‘white’) of the Chelidonura tsurugensis–sandrana species complex was investigated to test the above assumptions. Individuals of each colour form were crossed with individuals of the same form, and then with each of the two other colour forms, and with additional species as controls. Mating frequency, duration and an individual’s role of sperm donor or receiver were recorded. The results show that there was no evidence for positive assortative mating with respect to colour form. Instead, at least one colour form was shown to mate significantly more often, and for longer, with individuals of colour forms other than its own. There was no evidence for trading of intromissions or intromission duration among colour forms. Although all three colour forms readily mate and behave like a single biological species, the questionable identity of C. tsurugensis prevents synonymization of C. sandrana with this species. Conservatively, we suggest that until a systematic revision of Chelidonura is carried out, the application of the name C. tsurugensis should be restricted to Japan, and elsewhere the yellow-spotted colour form should be referred to as C. sandrana.

Spiritualized Bodies and Posthuman Possibilities: Technologies of Intimacy in Julia Ward Howe's The Hermaphrodite

Spiritualized Bodies and Posthuman Possibilities: Technologies of Intimacy in Julia Ward Howe's The Hermaphrodite

Peculiar Hermaphroditic Indications Found in the Ovary of the Goldfish

Peculiar Hermaphroditic Indications Found in the Ovary of the Goldfish

46, XY hermaphroditism and gynandroblastoma: report of a case

患者64岁,社会性别为女性.主因腹胀半个月于2009年4月11日入住天津医科大学总医院消化科,行外科B超、上下腹强化CT、妇科B超等检查,结果均示盆腔囊实性肿物,为进一步诊治转入妇科。

CLEMINSON, Richard ; VÁZQUEZ GARCÍA, Francisco. Hermaphroditism, medical science and sexual identity in Spain, 1850-1960

CLEMINSON, Richard ; VÁZQUEZ GARCÍA, Francisco. Hermaphroditism, medical science and sexual identity in Spain, 1850-1960