Sex Expression Research Articles

Labile sex expression in angiosperm species with sex chromosomes.

Here, we review the literature on sexual lability in dioecious angiosperm species with well-studied sex chromosomes. We distinguish three types of departures from strict dioecy, concerning either a minority of flowers in some individuals (leakiness) or the entire individual, which can constantly be bisexual or change sex. We found that for only four of the 22 species studied, reports of lability are lacking. The occurrence of lability is only weakly related to sex chromosome characteristics (number of sex-linked genes, age of the non-recombining region). These results contradict the naive idea that lability is an indication of the absence or the recent evolution of sex chromosomes, and thereby contribute to a growing consensus that sex chromosomes do not necessarily fix sex determination once and for all. We discuss some implications of these findings for the evolution of sex chromosomes, and suggest that more species with well-characterized lability should be studied with genomic data and tools. This article is part of the theme issue 'Sex determination and sex chromosome evolution in land plants'.

Genotypic confirmation of a biased phenotypic sex ratio in a dryland moss using restriction fragment length polymorphisms.

PremiseIn dioicous mosses, sex is determined by a single U (female, ♀) or V (male, ♂) chromosome. Although a 1 : 1 sex ratio is expected following meiosis, phenotypic sex ratios based on the production of gametangia are often female‐biased. The dryland moss Syntrichia caninervis (Pottiaceae) is notable for its low frequency of sex expression and strong phenotypic female bias. Here we present a technique to determine genotypic sex in a single shoot of S. caninervis, and report results of a case study examining genotypic and phenotypic sex ratios.MethodsWe reanalyzed 271 non‐expressing gametophyte shoots from a previous study on S. caninervis sex expression across microhabitats using a restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) method.ResultsWe recovered a genotypic sex ratio in non‐expressing shoots of 18.4♀ : 1♂, which exceeds the female bias of the phenotypic ratio (5.3♀ : 1♂; P = 0.013). We also found that the distribution of male and female genotypes across microsites with different levels of sun exposure was not predicted by patterns of sex expression in these microsites.DiscussionThese findings contribute to our understanding of how the environment may modulate sex ratios in S. caninervis, either through its direct influence on sex expression or through selection on genotypes with particular sex expression phenotypes.

Safe and Sound: The Effects of Experimentally Priming the Sense of Attachment Security on Pure-Tone Audiometric Thresholds Among Young and Older Adults

Attachment security has consistently been found to correlate with relaxed exploration, openness, and mindful attention to incoming information. The present studies explored whether contextually infusing a sense of attachment security (security priming) can improve hearing in young and older adults. In Study 1, participants (29 young, 30 older) performed a standardized pure-tone audiometric-thresholds test twice. In the security-priming condition, a picture of a participant’s security-enhancing figure was presented throughout the task. In the control condition, a picture of an unknown person (matched in sex, age, and facial expression) was used as a neutral prime. Study 2 (14 young, 14 older) was almost identical, except that it was preregistered and the neutral prime was a circle. In both studies, participants performed better (had lower hearing thresholds) in the security-priming condition. The current study is the first to show that attachment security improves sensory perception, and these results have meaningful implications for theory and clinical hearing tests.

Associations of DDX60L With the Clinical Features and Prognosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

ObjectiveAlthough the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still unclear, hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is considered a common cause of HCC. It has been reported that DDX60L can inhibit HCV replication, but its role in HCC is still poorly understood.MethodsThe expression levels of DDX60L in HCC tissues and in tissues adjacent to the tumor and their correlation with the clinicopathological features of patients were analyzed. We also used Kaplan–Meier curves of overall survival (OS) with Cox regression analysis and log-rank test to investigate the prognostic value of DDX60L in HCC. We further performed cell proliferation, Transwell, and wound healing assays to elucidate the role of DDX60L in HCC using the siRNA-DDX60L Hep3B or HCCLM3 cell line.ResultsUnivariate analysis showed that sex, Edmondson grade, microvascular invasion, tumor stage (III–IV/I–II), AFP, and DDX60L expression were strongly associated with the prognosis of HCC patients. The results of multivariate analysis further suggested that DDX60L might be an independent prognostic factor for OS in patients with HCC (Pmoderate/low = 0.015, Phigh/low = 0.011). The low DDX60L expression in HCC patients with no-metastasis, age ≥55 years, tumor size <5 cm, Edmondson grade = I–II, microvascular invasion, no cirrhosis, HBV positivity, tumor stage = III–IV, AFP >20 μg/L, and multiple tumor was associated with poorer prognosis (P <0.05). Moreover, the expression of DDX60L was significantly lower in HCC samples (N = 285) than in the normal tissues adjacent to the tumor (N = 167, P <0.001). There were no HCV-related HCC patients in this study. Additionally, we found that DDX60L knockdown can promote the proliferation of Hep3B cells, migration and invasion ability of Hep3B and HCCLM3 cells.ConclusionWe found that the downregulation of DDX60L expression correlated with poor prognosis in patients with HCC, which may be independent of the HCV-related pathway. Furthermore, DDX60L significantly inhibited the proliferation of Hep3B cells, migration and invasion of Hep3B and HCCLM3 cells. Therefore, DDX60L can serve as a prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for HCC.

A functional cellular framework for sex and estrous cycle-dependent gene expression and behavior

Sex hormones exert a profound influence on gendered behaviors. How individual sex hormone-responsive neuronal populations regulate diverse sex-typical behaviors is unclear. We performed orthogonal, genetically targeted sequencing of four estrogen receptor 1-expressing (Esr1+) populations and identified 1,415 genes expressed differentially between sexes or estrous states. Unique subsets of these genes were distributed across all 137 transcriptomically defined Esr1+ cell types, including estrous stage-specific ones, that comprise the four populations. We used differentially expressed genes labeling single Esr1+ cell types as entry points to functionally characterize two such cell types, BNSTprTac1/Esr1 and VMHvlCckar/Esr1. We observed that these two cell types, but not the other Esr1+ cell types in these populations, are essential for sex recognition in males and mating in females, respectively. Furthermore, VMHvlCckar/Esr1 cell type projections are distinct from those of other VMHvlEsr1 cell types. Together, projection and functional specialization of dimorphic cell types enables sex hormone-responsive populations to regulate diverse social behaviors.

Characterization and maintenance of promising gynoecious bitter gourd line through hormonal regulation and micropropagation

New gynoecious bitter gourd line, KAU-MCGy-101 identified from Kerala Agricultural University, India, was morphologically characterized. Silver thiosulphate (STS) was used for altering the sex expression of gynoecious line. STS induced hermaphrodite flowers in gynoecious plants and maximum number of hermaphrodite flowers was in plants receiving single spray at 200 ppm after emergence of first female flower. F1 was generated by crossing with monoecious variety Preethi and all the hybrids were monoecious in nature. Expression of gynoecious character in the sib-mated gynoecious inbred and monoecy in F1 hybrids, indicate the recessive nature of gynoecy in bitter gourd. Gynoecious inbred was also maintained through micropropagation. The shoot tip explants cultured on MS medium supplemented with 2.0 mgL−1 BA followed by 1.5 mgL−1 BA have given the highest shoot initiation response in 20.75 days. Multiple shoots, up to 5.50 per explant, were induced on MS medium with 2.0 mgL−1 BA and microshoots elongated best with 0.5 mgL−1 IAA + 0.5 mgL−1 NAA. Best in vitro rooting was on half strength MS medium with 3.0 gL−1 activated charcoal and 1.0 mgL−1 IBA. The gynoecious expression was found to be stable in tissue culture regenerated progenies.

Comparative study on the phenology, gender and yield components of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) varieties

The intensity of sex expression is important in crops, including cucumber, since sex form and flowering have direct effects on date of harvesting and yield. Two groups of cucumber comprising a native variety (Odukpani) and elite varieties (Griffaton, Poinsett, Ashley, Marketmore and Monarch) were evaluated in 2015 and 2016 cropping seasons at the Teaching and Research Farm, College of Agriculture, Garkawa, Plateau State; to assess flowering, sex expression and some yield traits. The experimental design was randomized complete block design with the 6 cucumber varieties as the treatments, replicated five times. The two groups differed significantly (p &lt; 0.05) in phonological, flowering and yield traits assessed. The elite varieties were superior with respect to flowering traits, as they flowered early. The intra-population hierarchical cluster analysis of quantitative traits grouped the elite varieties in one main cluster and the native variety (Odukpani) alienated as an outlier. The cluster plots showed that Odukpani was robust in vegetative growth, produced few but larger fruit size and flowering was delayed for over two weeks. Conversely, the elite varieties flowered early, produced more flowers and recorded superior number of fruits per plant. The profuse production of pistillate flowers by the elite varieties had pronounced yield advantage over the local variety. Hybridization between the two groups of cucumber would make a mark in the drive for sustainable cucumber fruit yield.

Lithuanian Neologisms: the Aspect of Sex Expression

The article discusses the nouns with the (potential) seme of sex in “The Database of Lithuanian Neologisms“ in terms of their origin, word formation, semantics and usage. The majority of names of animated beings (people, animals as well as phantasy creatures, personified phenomena, etc.) are motion nouns (substantiva mobilia), while the others are of masculine, feminine or neutral gender.&#x0D; New coinages (separate, occasional as well as usual ones) show that more means of naming objects according to their sex differences are used in modern Lithuanian language compared to the ones provided for in Lithuanian language grammars or descriptors of word formation, which were written long time ago. Moreover, usual derivational affixes expand their semantics. For example, the suffix -inas is used not only in new coinages to name males (beždžioninas ‘a monkey male’, žirafinas ‘a giraffe male’), but also to coin names for certain men (barakudinas ‘a predatory man, who seeks profit from rich women’ ← barakuda ‘a young, determined and selfish woman, seducing stranger rich men’, žvaigždinas ‘a star – celebrity of masculine gender’ ← žvaigždė ‘a famous woman, celebrity’). The inflection -ė is broadly used not only for new names of female animals, but also to name women (krivė ‘a female priest in the Baltic religion’, šviesulė ‘a famous (usually in the entertainment world) woman’, urėdė ‘a woman in the position of forest manager’, etc.).&#x0D; Changing social relations as well as changing attitudes towards non-heterosexual persons, the same-sex marriages, louder-sounding ideas of feminism, levelling of female and male occupations, activities and hobbies, etc., call for coinages that are needed to name new realities. And sometimes it is necessary not to find a name for a new reality, but to emphasise or, less frequently, to level the gender of already named reality. For this reason, such new words were coined: tėvė ‘according to the ideology of genderism – one of the members of family growing children (regardless of gender)’, kareivė ‘a woman performing military conscription’, kavalierė ‘a woman, who was awarded the order’; slaugas ‘a male nurse’, sesutis ‘a man working as a nurse’, auklius ‘a man working as a nanny’, mūzas ‘a masculine form of the noun mūza (a goddess, a female inspirer of poetic creation’; žmoga ‘a feminist name for a woman or a person detached from the gender’, and others. Some of them naturally became part of the standard Lithuanian, other words remained occasional.&#x0D; The article raises the question whether/how dictionaries should present potential (i.e., foreseen by the system, but practically not attested) words (forms).&#x0D; On the basis of examples of new motion nouns (new coinages), there emerge considerations how to perceive nouns, which have the same lexical stem and paradigms of two (male and female) genders – as separate words or different forms of the same words? The answer to this question may define how substantiva mobilia could/should be presented in the dictionaries in a more systematic way.

CmLHP1 proteins play a key role in plant development and sex determination in melon (Cucumis melo).

In monoecious melon (Cucumis melo), sex is determined by the differential expression of sex determination genes (SDGs) and adoption of sex-specific transcriptional programs. Histone modifications such as H3K27me3 have been previously shown to be a hallmark associated to unisexual flower development in melon; yet, no genetic approaches have been conducted for elucidating the roles of H3K27me3 writers, readers, and erasers in this process. Here we show that melon homologs to Arabidopsis LHP1, CmLHP1A and B, redundantly control several aspects of plant development, including sex expression. Cmlhp1ab double mutants displayed an overall loss and redistribution of H3K27me3, leading to a deregulation of genes involved in hormone responses, plant architecture, and flower development. Consequently, double mutants display pleiotropic phenotypes and, interestingly, a general increase of the male:female ratio. We associated this phenomenon with a general deregulation of some hormonal response genes and a local activation of male-promoting SDGs and MADS-box transcription factors. Altogether, these results reveal a novel function for CmLHP1 proteins in maintenance of monoecy and provide novel insights into the polycomb-mediated epigenomic regulation of sex lability in plants.

Clinician knowledge, training, and experience working with pansexual youth

Pansexuality is the emotional, romantic, and/or sexual attraction towards people regardless of their biological sex, gender identity, or gender expression. Literature regarding LGTBQ + populations has more recently been included in the available research. However, specific subgroups receive much less attention. This study was conducted through an anonymous online survey of mental health professionals in the United States. A preliminary investigation into this area may highlight both the unique stressors affecting pansexual youth and improve upon the therapeutic services provided to this population. Quantitative methods consisted of univariate, bivariate, and multivariate statistics. Results displayed a positive, statistically significant relationship (p = .017) between identified gender and working with pansexual youth. Another linear regression showed that there was a positive, statistically significant relationship (p = .000) between receiving relevant/any training/education and working with pansexual youth. In a third regression, a positive, statistically significant relationship (p = .001) was found between theoretical orientation and working with pansexual youth. The results showcased the need for clinicians to be more mindful of biases, to further their training on sexual minority populations, and for overall advocacy. Clinical implications and future directions are discussed.

A Review on the diversity of Melon

The species Cucumis melo L. (melon) is a polymorphic taxon encompassing many botanical and horticultural varieties. Melon fruits exhibit substantial variability in their form, shape, skin characters, flesh color, flesh thickness, sweetness, seed cavity, seed size, etc., which reflects in the market value of melon. This existing diversity in melon germplasm leads botanists to propose different classifications at the specific and infraspecific levels. The majority of classifications are based on morphological and molecular characteristics. Morphologic traits such as flower and fruit characteristics (sex expression, fruit size and shape, fruit skin color, pH, flesh color, taste, aroma, sugar composition, seed size, and shape) were used in the past centuries for melon diversity analysis. Later on, scientists correlate these phenotypic and biochemical traits (Total Soluble Solids, Ascorbic acid content, Titratable acidity, etc.) with genotypic variability by molecular tools. Molecular tools generally used for melon diversity analysis are RAPD, RFLP, AFLP, SSR markers, and Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP). This article emphasizes the progress of studies in the species Cucumis melo L. and its varieties since 1753. Particular attention has been paid to collect data regarding different horticultural groups of the species, and a recent infraspecific classification of the species has also been outlined. Even though the modern molecular techniques provide new insight to melon classification still there is an existing disparity in these classifications, which could be visible to the scientific world.

PD-L1 and Tumor Mutational Burden Are Not Predictive of Thrombosis in a Cohort of 1,221 Patients with Solid Organ Malignancies

Introduction: Malignancy is a well-known risk factor for thrombosis. While many clinical risk factors for cancer-associated thrombosis have been described, it remains unknown how certain tumor specific observations (such as programmed death ligand 1 expression (PD-L1) and tumor mutational burden (TMB)) correspond to thrombotic risk. To determine the relationship between PD-L1 and TMB quantification and thrombosis in patients with solid tumors, we evaluated a large cohort of clinical samples from an NCI designated cancer center, correlating tissue sample pathology with the development of venous or arterial thromboembolism.Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients between the ages of 18-89 who underwent histopathologic examination and next generation sequencing for a diagnosis of a solid organ malignancy at the Knight Cancer Institute between June 2019 and Feb 2021. Medical records were reviewed to document clinical and demographic information as well as for the development of thrombosis after cancer diagnosis. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to assess if PD-L1 expression and TMB are independent predictors of thrombosis. Subgroup analysis was then performed to evaluate whether this relationship differed by the organ of the primary malignancy. All analyses were conducted in R (R Core Team 2019).Results: We identified 1,221 patients with solid organ malignancies (mean age 62, 53.6% male). The most common malignancies in the cohort were lung cancer (13.8%), pancreatic cancer (12.3%) and colon cancer (12.3%). Thrombotic events occurred in 206 patients (16.8%) after diagnosis of their malignancy (100 deep vein thrombosis, 42 pulmonary embolism, 46 visceral vein thromboses, 6 superficial vein thromboses, and 11 arterial events). The mean time from initial biopsy to thrombosis was 224 days. TMB (mean 8.5 mutations/Mb) was evaluated in all patients in the cohort, while PD-L1 expression testing (mean 23.0%) was available for 255 patients. On multivariable logistic regression adjusting for age and patient sex, neither TMB (ORadj: 0.97, CI: 0.92-1.03) nor PD-L1 expression (ORadj 1.00, CI: 1.00-1.02) were significant predictors of thrombotic events. Subgroup analysis by primary malignancy type did not demonstrate any specific primary sites for which TMB or PD-L1 were predictive of thrombosis.Discussion: Our analysis found no predictive relationship between TMB and PD-L1 expression with thrombotic events in patients with solid organ malignancy. Further analysis is needed to determine if specific treatment protocols, such as the use of immunotherapy in patients with varying levels of PD-L1 and TMB, alter thrombosis risk. DisclosuresShatzel: Aronora Inc,: Consultancy.

Production of Feminized Seeds of High CBD Cannabis sativa L. by Manipulation of Sex Expression and Its Application to Breeding.

The use of the cannabis plant as a source of therapeutic compounds is gaining great importance since restrictions on its growth and use are gradually reduced throughout the world. Intensification of medical (drug type) cannabis production stimulated breeding activities aimed at developing new, improved cultivars with precisely defined, and stable cannabinoid profiles. The effects of several exogenous substances, known to be involved in sex expressions, such as silver thiosulfate (STS), gibberellic acid (GA), and colloidal silver, were analyzed in this study. Various concentrations were tested within 23 different treatments on two high cannabidiol (CBD) breeding populations. Our results showed that spraying whole plants with STS once is more efficient than the application of STS on shoot tips while spraying plants with 0.01% GA and intensive cutting is ineffective in stimulating the production of male flowers. Additionally, spraying whole plants with colloidal silver was also shown to be effective in the induction of male flowers on female plants, since it produced up to 379 male flowers per plant. The viability and fertility of the induced male flowers were confirmed by fluorescein diacetate (FDA) staining of pollen grains, in vitro and in vivo germination tests of pollen, counting the number of seeds developed after hybridization, and evaluating germination rates of developed seeds. Finally, one established protocol was implemented for crossing selected female plants. The cannabinoid profile of the progeny was compared with the profile of the parental population and an improvement in the biochemical profile of the breeding population was confirmed. The progeny had a higher and more uniform total CBD (tCBD) to total tetrahydrocannabinol (tTHC) ratio (up to 29.6; average 21.33 ± 0.39) compared with the original population (up to 18.8; average 7.83 ± 1.03). This is the first comprehensive report on the induction of fertile male flowers on female plants from dioecious medical cannabis (Cannabis sativa L.).

Genetic variation and reproductive patterns in wetland mosses suggest efficient initial colonization of disturbed sites.

To understand colonization processes, it is critical to fully assess the role of dispersal in shaping biogeographical patterns at the gene, individual, population, and community levels. We test two alternative hypotheses (H I and H II) for the colonization of disturbed sites by clonal plants, by analyzing intraspecific genetic variation in one and reproductive traits in two typical fen mosses with separate sexes and intermittent spore dispersal, comparing disturbed, early‐succession (limed) fens and late‐successional rich fens. H I suggests initial colonization of disturbed sites by diverse genotypes of which fewer remain in late‐successional fens and an initially balanced sex ratio that develops into a possibly skewed population sex ratio. H II suggests initial colonization by few genotypes and gradual accumulation of additional genotypes and an initially skewed sex ratio that alters into the species‐specific sex ratio, during succession. Under both scenarios, we expect enhanced sexual reproduction in late‐successional fens due to resource gains and decreased intermate distances when clones expand. We show that the intraspecific genetic diversity, assessed by two molecular markers, in Scorpidium cossonii was higher and the genetic variation among sites was smaller in disturbed than late‐successional rich fens. Sex ratio was balanced in S. cossonii and Campylium stellatum in disturbed fens and skewed in C. stellatum in late‐successional fens, thus supporting H I. In line with our prediction, sex expression incidence was higher in, and sporophytes were confined to, late‐succession compared to disturbed rich fens. Late‐successional S. cossonii sites had more within‐site patches with two or more genotypes, and both species displayed higher sex expression levels in late‐successional than in disturbed sites. We conclude that diverse genotypes and both sexes disperse efficiently to, and successfully colonize new sites, while patterns of genetic variation and sexual reproduction in late‐successional rich fens are gradually shaped by local conditions and interactions over extended time periods.

Simulated herbivory enhances leaky sex expression in the dioecious herb Mercurialis annua.

Background and AimsPlant reproductive traits are widely understood to be responsive to the selective pressures exerted by pollinators, but there is also increasing evidence for an important role for antagonists such as herbivores in shaping these traits. Many dioecious species show leaky sex expression, with males and females occasionally producing flowers of the opposite sex. Here, we asked to what extent leakiness in sex expression in Mercurialis annua (Euphorbiaceae) might also be plastically responsive to simulated herbivory. This is important because enhanced leakiness in dioecious populations could lead to a shift in both the mating system and in the conditions for transitions between combined and separate sexes.MethodsWe examined the effect of simulated herbivory on the sexual expression of males and females of M. annua in two experiments in which different levels of simulated herbivory led to enhanced leakiness in both sexes.Key ResultsWe showed that leaky sex expression in both males and females of the wind-pollinated dioecious herb M. annua is enhanced in response to simulated herbivory, increasing the probability for and the degree of leakiness in both sexes. We also found that leakiness was greater in larger females but not in larger males.ConclusionsWe discuss hypotheses for a possible functional link between herbivory and leaky sex expression, and consider what simulated herbivory-induced leakiness might imply for the evolutionary ecology of plant reproductive systems, especially the breakdown of dioecy and the evolution of hermaphroditism.

Epstein-Barr virus status of sporadic Burkitt lymphoma is associated with patient age and mutational features.

Sporadic Burkitt lymphoma (BL) is the most frequent tumour of children and adolescents but a rare subtype of lymphomas in adults. To date most molecular data have been obtained from lymphomas arising in the young. Recently, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) positive and negative BL in young patients was shown to differ in molecular features. In the present study, we present a large age-overarching cohort of sporadic BL (n=162) analysed by immunohistochemistry, translocations of MYC proto-oncogene, basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor (MYC), B-cell leukaemia/lymphoma 2 (BCL2) and B-cell leukaemia/lymphoma 6 (BCL6) and by targeted sequencing. We illustrate an age-associated inter-tumoral molecular heterogeneity in this disease. Mutations affecting inhibitor of DNA binding 3, HLH protein (ID3), transcription factor 3 (TCF3) and cyclin D3 (CCND3), which are highly recurrent in paediatric BL, and expression of sex determining region Y-box transcription factor 11 (SOX11) declined with patient age at diagnosis (P=0·0204 and P=0·0197 respectively). In contrast, EBV was more frequently detected in adult patients (P=0·0262). Irrespective of age, EBV-positive sporadic BL showed significantly less frequent mutations in ID3/TCF3/CCND3 (P=0·0088) but more often mutations of G protein subunit alpha 13 (GNA13; P=0·0368) and forkhead box O1 (FOXO1; P=0·0044) compared to EBV-negative tumours. Our findings suggest that among sporadic BL an EBV-positive subgroup of lymphomas increases with patient age that shows distinct pathogenic features reminiscent of EBV-positive endemic BL.

Genetic variation in melon (Cucumis melo L.) landraces and wild relatives of Karnataka state of southern India

AbstractMelon (Cucumis meloL.) is an economically important vegetable crop worldwide. Karnataka state of southern India is rich in melon landraces and wild relatives, which are potential sources of genetic diversity for crop improvement. Here we report on the collection, characterization and documentation of previously unexplored landrace and wild material to broaden the availability of this genetic diversity for use in melon improvement. Accessions of botanical groups,momordica,kachri,chandalak,reticulatus,acidulusandindicus, intermediate forms ofacidulusandmomordica, and three melons of an unknown group were sourced directly from farmers of eight agro-ecological regions. Twenty-three representative melon landraces and wild relatives, along with four reference varieties of different botanical groups, were evaluated for agronomic traits during the year 2016. Very wide and distinctive genetic variations were observed among the melon accessions for ovary characters, sex expression, days taken to first fruit maturity, external and internal fruit traits, and fruit cracking (splitting). The remarkable variability displayed among the melon accessions as observed from the study demonstrates the importance of them as a valuable genetic reservoir for melon improvement.

Sex-disaggregated tuberculosis data call for gender-equitable tuberculosis control

The call for more gender-equitable tuberculosis programming, informed by systematically collected and analysed sex-disaggregated and age-disaggregated data, has intensified in recent years.1,2 Gender-equitable programming purposefully addresses inequities that are strongly affected by cultural and socially defined expectations, roles, responsibilities, norms, and power relationships based on sex, gender identity, or gender expression. For tuberculosis programmes, this means examining the intersectional gender context driving poor tuberculosis outcomes for men, women, and non-binary individuals (of all gender identities) and creating evidence-based strategies to address differential disease risk and service utilisation.

Screening and Stability Evaluation of Reference Genes for Real-Time Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction inAgrilus zanthoxylumi(Coleoptera: Buprestidae)

AbstractSelection of suitable reference genes is crucial to accurately evaluate and normalize the relative expression level of target genes for gene function research. Our study selected suitable reference genes for analyzing the gene expression of Agrilus zanthoxylumi Hou (Coleoptera: Buprestidae). Six candidate genes were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction: the histone gene, the β-tubulin gene, the actin gene, 18S ribosomal RNA, and 28S-1 and 28S-2 ribosomal RNA. The expression of the candidate reference genes in different tissue samples (head, thorax, abdomen, legs, and wings) of A. zanthoxylumi was evaluated and analyzed by using GeNorm, NormFinder, and BestKeeper software programs. Gene expression stability results show that the expression of the 28S-2 gene is the most stable of the six candidate genes in all tissues of female A. zanthoxylumi, followed by the 28S-1 gene. The actin gene has the most stable expression of the six genes in male tissues, followed by the 28S-2 gene. The screening results of reference genes with the most stable expression in different sexes and tissues obtained in this study can be used for the subsequent quantitative expression research of related genes and provide theoretical basis and reference materials for the research of related gene expression levels of A. zanthoxylumi.

Cortactin and HER2 as potential markers for dural-targeted therapy in advanced gastric cancer.

To study the role of HER2/cortactin co-overexpression in advanced gastric cancer (GC). This study retrospectively enrolled 246 patients with stage III GC from January 2015 to December 2016 at our hospital. We explored, using immunostaining techniques, the role of the expression of cortactin and HER2 in the progression of advanced GC. The patient data, including age, sex, cortactin and HER2 expression, pathological parameters and survival, were collected. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to analyze the characteristics, survival, and prognostic factors of the patients. The results showed that the expression of cortactin was significantly associated with vascular-lymphatic invasion (P < 0.001), N stage (P = 0.001), and TNM stage (P = 0.046). HER2 overexpression correlated with tumor size (P = 0.002), neural invasion (P = 0.002), Lauren classification (P = 0.005) and N stage (P = 0.034). Through univariate analysis using the Kaplan-Meier method, vascular-lymphatic invasion (P = 0.015), neural invasion (P = 0.021), N stage (P < 0.003), and HER2/cortactin co-overexpression (P < 0.028) were shown to be significantly associated with overall survival. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that vascular lymphatic invasion (hazard ratio = 1.481, 95% CI, 1.064 to 2.061, P = 0.020), neural invasion (hazard ratio = 1.505, 95% CI, 1.084 to 2.089, P = 0.015), N stage (N2/N1: hazard ratio = 1.655, 95% CI, 1.048 to 2.641, P < 0.031, N3/N1: hazard ratio = 2.089, 95% CI, 1.325 to 3.295, P < 0.002), and HER2/cortactin co-overexpression (hazard ratio = 1.427, 95% CI, 1.007 to 2.024, P = 0.046) were independent prognostic factors for poor overall survival. The results suggested that HER2/cortactin co-overexpression is an important predictive biomarker for GC patients. GC patients with HER2/cortactin co-overexpression may receive dual-targeted therapy to improve survival prognosis in the future.