Internal Reproductive Systems Research Articles

A novel Zn-MOF fluorescent probe for highly sensitive and rapid detection of gossypol in cottonseed oil and fetal bovine serum

Gossypol is a poisonous substance in cottonseed which seriously harms the internal organs, blood vessels, nerves, and reproductive systems of organisms. Therefore, detecting gossypol is of great significance in the field of food safety. This manuscript constructs a novel target-oriented gossypol fluorescence probe based on the energy competition absorption mechanism. The probe is a zinc-based metal organic framework material (Zn-MOF) with blue fluorescence, which can achieve rapid and sensitive detection of gossypol through fluorescence “turn-off” effect. It has the advantages of low detection limit (16.6 nM), ultra-fast response time (8 s), and favorable selectivity. Interestingly, this probe can be reused and the fluorescence can still be recovered after five cycles when detecting gossypol. In addition, the application of the fluorescent probe in cottonseed oil and fetal bovine serum is reliable, with the recovery of 99.35%–101.5% and the relative standard deviation of less than 2.72%. These results indicate that the developed sensor has prominent application potential in the field of food and biological detection.

Morphological and ultrastructural studies of the internal reproductive systems of two deltocephaline leafhoppers, Nephotettixcincticeps and Deltocephalusvulgaris (Hemiptera, Cicadellidae, Deltocephalinae).

Insects have highly variable reproductive systems, reflecting a diversity of reproductive strategies and adaptations. Such variation has been widely used to classify and estimate phylogenetic relationships. Here, the morphology and ultrastructure of the internal reproductive systems of two leafhopper species are described and illustrated, using both light and transmission electron microscopy, and representing two tribes of Deltocephalinae: in Chiasmini, Nephotettixcincticeps (Uhler, 1896), and in Deltocephalini, Deltocephalusvulgaris (Dash & Viraktamath, 1998). Tables comparing the morphology of male and female internal reproductive structures of these studied species are provided and indicate that the main differences are in the relative shapes, sizes, and colors of these structures. The overall structure and organization, including details of the ultrastructure, of these two leafhopper species' male and female internal reproductive systems are very similar to those of previously studied leafhoppers. The main differences observed among species include the number of testicular follicles, the relative position of seminal vesicles and the degree of development of the accessory glands in the male, the number of ovaries, and the shape and color of the vagina and spermatheca in the female.

Effect of habitual lumbar curvature on electromyographic activity of trunk muscle and intravaginal pressure during still standing and dynamic task among non-osteoporotic post-menopausal women

The pelvic floor muscles support vital organs like the bladder, colon, and internal reproductive systems. These muscles synergistically function with the abdominal muscle to control continence. Pelvic floor muscle insufficiency results in poor control over continence during various activities. The efficient control of abdominal muscles to support the pelvic floor function require stabilization of the spine which in turn gets affected by the change in the mechanics due to the altered lumbar spine angle. In the present study, we intended to find the effect of lumbar spine angle on trunk muscle tonic activity, and pelvic floor function. A total of seventy-eight non-osteoporotic menopausal continent women were recruited and based on their lumbar lordotic angle, they were allocated to three groups (Hyper, hypo, and normal lordosis). The electromyographic tonic activity of erector spinae (ES), rectus abdominis (RA), and vaginal pressure was recorded during standing still (SS), maximal coughing (MC), and Valsalva maneuver (VM). The data were analyzed using a one-way analysis of variance and the Tukey post hoc test. The confidence level was kept at 95%, i.e., p<0.05. We found the trunk muscle tonic activity and vaginal pressure reduced as the lumbar lordotic angle changed to a hyper and hypo lordotic spine.

A synopsis of the numbers of testicular follicles and ovarioles in true bugs (Heteroptera, Hemiptera) - sixty-five years of progress after J. Pendergrast's review.

The structure of testes and ovaries can be described in its simplest form by the number of follicles and ovarioles they contain. Sixty-five years after the last review of the internal reproductive systems in true bugs (Heteroptera), the data accumulated today on the number of testicular follicles and ovarioles in their gonads are summarized. In addition, data on the number and type (mesadenia/ectadenia) of accessory glands are given. The hemipteran suborder Heteroptera constitutes one of the most diverse groups of non-homometabolous ('Hemimetabola') insects, comprising more than 40,000 described species worldwide and approximately 100 families, classified into seven infraorders. Data are available for all infraorders; however, more than 90% of studied species belong to the largest and most evolutionarily derived infraorders Cimicomorpha and Pentatomomorpha. In true bugs, in general, the number of follicles varies from one to nine (in a testis), and the number of ovarioles varies from two to 24 (in an ovary). Seven follicles per testis and seven ovarioles per ovary prevail being found in approximately 43.5% (307 species) and 24.4% (367 species) of studied species, respectively. Such a structure of testes and ovaries is considered an ancestral character state in the Heteroptera. In the evolution of this group, the number of follicles and ovarioles both increased and decreased, but the trend towards a decrease clearly prevailed.

Comparative aspects of the internal reproductive system of males in species of Melolonthinae, Dynastinae, and Rutelinae (Coleoptera: Scarabaeoidea) from Mexico

The anatomy of the internal male reproductive systems of 12 species of Melolonthinae (Phyllophaga, Chlaenobia, Macrodactylus, Isonychus), six species of Dynastinae (Cyclocephala), and three species of Rutelinae (Paranomala) (Coleoptera, Scarabaeoidea) of Mexico are described. A total of 350 male specimens representing 21 species were collected. From each species, the reproductive systems were obtained by micro-dissection, placed in a liquid fixative, stained, and drawn to scale. The internal genitalia of each species was described and compared among the species examined. The reproductive system of the Melolonthinae species is comprised of two testicles, each with six follicles, two deferent ducts, two accessory glands, two glandular ducts, an ejaculatory duct, and the aedeagus (not described for any of the species examined). The number of testicular follicles per testicle is as reported in different species of other Scarabaeoidea subfamilies. The length of the accessory glands and the ejaculatory duct varies in the species studied. The ejaculatory bulb is present in all of the species of Dynastinae and Rutelinae examined but in only three species of Melolonthinae.

Developmental Differences on the Internal Reproductive Systems between the Prediapause and Prereproductive Riptortus pedestris Adults.

Riptortus pedestris (Heteroptera: Alydidae), an important crop pest, is capable of entering reproductive adult diapause under short-day photoperiods. Though the physiological aspects of adult diapause have been well studied in this species, little is known about its morphological development. In the present study, the adult females are discriminated as prediapause and prereproductive based on the absence and presence of mature oocytes in ovarioles, respectively. We also measured the morphological development of vitellarium and lateral oviduct in females, and the accessory gland, ejaculatory duct, and testes in males of both prereproductive and prediapause adults. Our results revealed that there is a clear significant difference in the reproductive development of prediapause and prereproductive insects. Moreover, the internal morphology of reproductive organs was suppressed in prediapausebugs compared to prereproductive bugs, and the insects developedthe reproductive parts as newly emerged adults. The above findings provide basic knowledge on the characterization of diapause and reproductive R. pedestris adults, which would be applicable to molecular investigations.

Six new species of Dolichopeza (Nesopeza) from China (Diptera: Tipulidae)

Abstract Six new species of Dolichopeza Curtis, 1825, subgenus Nesopeza Alexander, 1914, are described and illustrated: D. (N.) incisuraloides sp. nov., D. (N.) jiangjinensis sp. nov., D. (N.) lipingensis sp. nov., D. (N.) medionodosa sp. nov., D. (N.) multidentata sp. nov., and D. (N.) setilobatoides sp. nov. Dolichipeza (N.) incisuralis Alexander, 1940 is redescribed and illustrated based on additional morphological characters. The female internal reproductive systems of D. (N.) incisuraloides sp. nov. and D. (N.) multidentata sp. nov. are documented. A key is provided to separate all known species of Nesopeza from China.

Male internal reproductive structures of european pea crabs (Crustacea, Decapoda, Brachyura, Pinnotheridae): Vas deferens morphology and spermatozoal ultrastructure

Pea crabs of the subfamily Pinnotherinae (Pinnotheridae) have a high investment in reproduction and an outstanding reproductive output, probably as an adaptation to the required increase in reproductive rate due to the pinnotherids small size and their parasitic, host-dependant way of life. In the present study, we investigate the male internal reproductive structures and the ultrastructure of spermatozoa of Pinnotheres pisum and Nepinnotheres pinnotheres by histological methods and both scanning- and transmission electron microscopy. In the Brachyura, the male internal reproductive systems generally consist of paired testes and corresponding vasa deferentia where spermatozoa develop and mature. Spermatozoal ultrastructure of the investigated pinnotherids conforms to the thoracotreme type, however, N. pinnotheres has an accessory opercular ring and a periopercular rim, neither of which are present in spermatozoa of P. pisum. Spermatozoa are enclosed within spermatophores in the secretory proximal vas deferens. Two types of secretions were observed in P. pisum and N. pinnotheres: an electron dense substance secreted in the proximal vas deferens involved in spermatophore formation, and large electron-luscent vesicles constituting the seminal plasma in the medial and distal vas deferens. The medial vas deferens is strongly widened compared to other brachyurans to purpose storing spermatophores embedded in seminal plasma. Tubular appendices, which produce and store large amounts of seminal plasma, arise from the distal region of the vas deferens. The appendices extend into the ventral cephalothorax and also in the first pleomere. The latter being an exceptional location for reproductive structures among male brachyurans.

Dynamic expression of Tbx2 subfamily genes in development of the mouse reproductive system

Tbx2, Tbx3, Tbx4, and Tbx5, members of the Tbx2 subfamily of T-box transcription factor genes, are important for many aspects of embryonic development and mutations in some human TBX2 subfamily genes cause developmental syndromes. In addition, TBX2 and TBX3 are overexpressed in a variety of cancers, including reproductive system cancers. This study characterizes the expression of Tbx2 subfamily genes during development of the reproductive system. We show that these genes are expressed in both the internal and external reproductive systems. Tbx2 is expressed in gonads and genital ducts, the Wolffian and Müllerian ducts, while Tbx3 is only expressed in genital ducts. Tbx4 is expressed in embryonic and postnatal germ cells. All four genes are expressed in mesenchyme in external genitalia, with Tbx3 and Tbx5 expression in the epithelium as well. This study lays the foundation for investigation of functional requirements for Tbx2 subfamily genes in development of the mammalian reproductive system.

Comparative morphology of internal reproductive systems in leaf beetles of the Donaciinae and Criocerinae (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) and its implication for the phylogeny

Comparative morphology of internal reproductive systems in leaf beetles of the Donaciinae and Criocerinae (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) and its implication for the phylogeny

Comparative morphology of internal reproductive systems in leaf beetles of the Donaciinae and Criocerinae (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) and its implication for the phylogeny

We compared the morphology of the internal and external reproductive organs of both sexes among species of the leaf beetle subfamily Donaciinae and its sister taxon Criocerinae. Using nine characters of the reproductive system, we attempted to reconstruct the phylogenetic tree for the two subfamilies combined. For this study, we used 11 Japanese species (including 2 subspecies) of 2 genera in the Donaciinae and 16 Japanese species of 4 genera in the Criocerinae. Morphological comparison revealed that the internal reproductive system exhibits a large diversity even in each subfamily. In particular, the morphology of the spermathecal organ varies greatly among genera or subgenera. In the subgenus Lema, we found a marked apomorphic state, that is, an extremely extended spermathecal duct in females and a similarly extended filiform structure on the internal sac in males. Phylogenetic analysis yielded two most parsimonious trees, which differ in criocerine relationship. In seven of the nine characters, the evolution of an apomorphic state was consistent with previous phylogenetic hypotheses.

An appraisal of the higher classification of cicadas (Hemiptera: Cicadoidea) with special reference to the Australian fauna

The history of cicada family classification is reviewed and the current status of all previously proposed families and subfamilies summarized. All tribal rankings associated with the Australian fauna are similarly documented. A cladistic analysis of generic relationships has been used to test the validity of currently held views on family and subfamily groupings. The analysis has been based upon an exhaustive study of nymphal and adult morphology, including both external and internal adult structures, and the first comparative study of male and female internal reproductive systems is included. Only two families are justified, the Tettigarctidae and Cicadidae. The latter are here considered to comprise three subfamilies, the Cicadinae, Cicadettinae n.stat. (= Tibicininae auct.) and the Tettigadinae (encompassing the Tibicinini, Platypediidae and Tettigadidae). Of particular note is the transfer of Tibicina Amyot, the type genus of the subfamily Tibicininae, to the subfamily Tettigadinae. The subfamily Plautillinae (containing only the genus Plautilla) is now placed at tribal rank within the Cicadinae. The subtribe Ydiellaria is raised to tribal rank. The American genus Magicicada Davis, previously of the tribe Tibicinini, now falls within the Taphurini. Three new tribes are recognized within the Australian fauna, the Tamasini n.tribe to accommodate Tamasa Distant and Parnkalla Distant, Jassopsaltriini n.tribe to accommodate Jassopsaltria Ashton and Burbungini n.tribe to accommodate Burbunga Distant. Additional tribal changes occur within the Australian fauna: Anapsaltoda Ashton, Arenopsaltria Ashton, Henicopsaltria Stal, Neopsaltoda Distant and Psaltoda Stal are transferred from Cyclochilini to Cryptotympanini leaving Cyclochilini monotypic; Chrysocicada Boulard is transferred from Parnisini to Taphurini; Diemeniana Distant, Gudanga Distant and Quintilia infans (Walker) (representing a new genus) from Parnisini to Cicadettini; and Marteena Moulds and Abricta borealis (Goding & Froggatt) (the latter also representing a new genus) from Taphurini to Cicadettini. A new subtribe is proposed in the tribe Taphurini, Tryellina n.subtribe. Diagnostic descriptions are provided for all families, subfamilies, tribes and subtribes treated in this work. Keys to families and subfamilies are presented together with a key to the tribes of Australian Cicadoidea. Terminologies for external and internal morphology of the Cicadoidea are summarized in 30 detailed figures. New structures and features of significant taxonomic importance are identified and named. A stridulatory mechanism found in the Australian genus Cyclochila is described for the first time.

Reproductive morphology, copulation, and inter-populational variation in the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae)

Copulatory mechanisms and internal reproductive systems of male and female Plutella xylostella (L.) were investigated. Both male and female specimens exhibited characteristics typical of ditrysian Lepidoptera, with some peculiarities. Female structures appear to be relatively simple: the bursa copulatrix lacks cuticular signa within, the spermatheca lacks lagenar arms exhibited in some Lepidoptera, and colleterial glands have secretory system and reservoir combined. Male accessory gland ducts are joined distally, a condition that has not been described in other Lepidoptera. Genitalia of both sexes appear simple; females possess a posterior cuticular extension of abdominal sternites that houses the bursal duct and accomodates the needle-like aedeagus of a male during copulation. Despite the apparent simplicity, configuration of genitalia is highly specific in shape, angle, and size, which is likely to be important in maintaining reproductive isolation within the species. However, a population of P. xylostella from Australia showed some modification to both aedeagal and bursal structures. These variations suggest some important implications for considering species with worldwide distributions.

The Chromosomal Basis of Sex-Differentiation in Marsupials

Data on ten intersexual marsupials, eight of which were of known karyotype, are presented and reviewed. Three of the intersexes were known or suspected XO/XX or XO/XX/XXX, two were XXY, one was XXY/XY/XX and two were XY in sex chromosome constitution. In all three intersexes which had an XO cell line, but in which no Y chromosome was found in any cell, a small empty scrotum was found to one side of the midline or in the midline. Those which had a non-midline scrotum had mammary tissue on the opposite side and a partial or complete pouch. The intersex with the midline scrotum had no pouch or mammary glands. Unilateral or bilateral putative spermatic cords, not containing a ductus deferens, descended to the scrotum, but in all other respects the internal reproductive systems were like those of normal XX female marsupials. Intersexes with no Y chromosome were of female body size when adult. The XXY and XXY/XY/XX intersexes all had complete pouches and mammary glands and none had a scrotum. All had well developed male internal reproductive systems and undescended testis-like gonads, and were of intermediate body size. Both XY intersexes also had complete pouches and mammary glands, no scrotum, and male-type internal reproductive systems with undescended testes which were normal except for absence of post- primary spermatocyte stages of spermatogenesis. One XY intersex was fully adult and it did not differ from normal XY males of the same species in body measurements, body weight and secondary sex coloration. One of the intersexes of unknown karyotype, but of suspected XX chromosome constitution, was morphologically like the XO/XX/XXX mosaic with a centrally placed scrotum. The other, of suspected XY chromosome constitution, was essentially comparable to the XY intersexes. The data are interpreted, at the whole chromosome level, as follows. In the presence of a single active X chromosome scrotal and spermatic cord development were initiated, whereas they were inhibited in the presence of two X chromosomes. Complete scrotal development completely inhibited, and unilateral scrotal development partly inhibited, pouch and mammary gland development. The Y chromosome was responsible for primary gonadal sex and, apparently through production of MIS, eliminated the Miillerian (i.e. female) sex ducts. Development of a male type of reproductive system was dependent on presence of a Y chromosome and, apparently, androgen production from testes or testis-like gonads. At the gene level the data may be interpreted in terms of a hypothetical S or 'switch' locus, carried on the X chromosome, which induced scrotal development in single dose and a pouch and mammary glands in double dose. If this hypothesis is correct, it would explain the occurrence of incomplete X-chromosome inactivation in marsupials; complete X-inactivation is impossible in marsupials because it would leave each female with a scrotum, not a pouch.

THE DIGESTIVE AND MALE INTERNAL REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEMS OF SOME AUSTRALIAN ANTHOCORIDAE (HEMIPTERA)

AbstractThe digestive and male internal reproductive systems of 11 species of Australian Anthocoridae are described and figured. The alimentary canals and salivary glands show some specific differences; the reproductive systems are distinct at the tribal level. Results are discussed in relation to Carayon's system of classification.

Pollen and Sexual Maturation of the Pea Weevil (Coleoptera: Bruchidae)

In laboratory and greenhouse tests, we investigated the effects of access to sources of pollen on o÷genesis, spermatogenesis, and copulation of post-hibernation pea weevils, Bruchus pisorum (L.). Also, we described the internal reproductive systems of the male and female weevils. The male weevil is sexually mature but the female is sexually immature when leaving hibernation. Females given pea, Pisum sativum L., pollen matured sexually in ca. 18 days. Females provided a mixture of alfalfa, Medicago sativa L., and other pollen for 14 and 21 days had significantly larger ovarioles than those provided with water only. Adults copulated regardless of whether they were provided or denied access to pollen, but the frequency of copulation was about twice as great when pollen was available. Females removed from hibernation in cold storage should be provided access to pea pollen for ca. 15 days before they are used in tests of host plant resistance.

Morphology of the Adult Reproductive Systems of the Yellowheaded Spruce Sawfly, Pikonema alaskensis1

The internal and external reproductive systems of both sexes of field collected adults of the yellowheaded spruce sawfly, Pikonema alaskensis (Rohwer), are illustrated and described in detail.

Gonadal Development of Laboratory-reared Male Alfalfa Weevils, Hypera postica1,2,3

Comparisons of internal reproductive systems of diapausing and non-diapausing adult male Hypera postica at 3 post-eclosion ages revealed differences in testis length and width, testis developmental and vas deferens stages, and sperm transfer. These parameters were evaluated for convenience and reliability as predictors of diapause. Testis length and width did not have inter-population validity. Testis developmental stage required living specimens and could not be used to predict diapause of the individual. Sperm transfer required pairing each male with a virgin female. Vas deferens developmental stage was reliable and convenient in determining diapause of male weevils.

The occurrence of Almeidini (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) in Australia, with the description of a new genus

Abstract. The tribe Almeidini Carayon, 1972 is recorded from Australia and Australmeida gen.n. described. The brachypterous male and female of the typespecies Lasiochilus derricki Gross, 1954 are redescribed and the macropterous male and female and the submacropterous female are newly described. One possibly conspecific specimen is recorded from Kerevat, New Britain. The structure of the male and female internal reproductive systems reinforces the external characters used by Carayon (1972a) as indicating close affinity of the Almeidini to the Xylocorini. The genus Almeida Distant is recorded from Australia and the genuse Limppomanus Distant from New caledonia.

Reproductive System and Mating of Hydroperla crosbyi: A Newly Discovered Method of Sperm Transfer in Insecta

The internal reproductive systems of both sexes of Hydroperla crosbyi (Needham and Claassen) are generally similar to those of Arcynopteryx compacta (McLachl.). Sperm transfer is external, to a depression around the female genital opening formed by a 'packing action of the male epiproct during what appears superficially to be copulation. Sperm are deposited in the depression after a spontaneous aedeagal eversion lasting 0.5-1.5 min. The aedeagus does not function as an intromittent organ. Sperm are aspirated by the female after the releaser consisting of cercal brushing or tapping by the male. This represents a previously unreported means of sperm conveyance in the Plecoptera and among the Insecta. Potential contribution of reproduction knowledge to phylogeny in the Perlodidae is discussed.