Non-invasive sex genotyping of paiche Arapaima gigas by qPCR: An applied bioinformatic approach for identifying sex differences

AbstractArapaima gigas, one of the largest freshwater fish in the world, is suffering from high fishing pressure and habitat loss, which threaten the conservation status of its natural populations. Of great cultural importance to Amazonian people, the paiche or pirarucu A. gigas is in high demand for its meat, ornamental uses and other byproducts such as scales. Aquaculture is a feasible solution to this dilemma. However, the fact that A. gigas presents no sexual dimorphism until it is 5 years old and its long period to sexual maturity are major obstacles for brood-stock management and fingerling production. Thus, the aim of this study was to develop a molecular tool for non-invasive genotypic sexing of paiche throughout its life cycle. We collected samples from gonads, fins and gill mucus of juvenile specimens from local facilities for histological and molecular analysis. Based on the recently available genome sequence of the paiche and making use of current NGS method, we implemented a novel approach, called Genome Differences by Unmapped Reads, to identify DNA sex markers. We found a Male-Specific Region (MSR), identified as MSR_3728, to be present only in males. Next, we designed two specific sets of primers on this region to identify genotypic sex by qPCR assays. Both primer sets, MSR_107 and MSR_129, detected males with 100% accuracy. Then we developed a duplex qPCR reaction for each primer set along a reference gene, analyzed the melting curves and detected males by observing two distinct peaks, one for MSR_107 or MSR_129 and one for the reference, while females only presented the reference peak. The same results were obtained for gonads, fins and interestingly, a non-invasive source from gill mucus samples. Finally, the gonads were evaluated histologically in a double-blind test, showing 100% accuracy with qPCR assay for identifying males and females. Data clearly demonstrated a novel pipeline approach for identifying DNA sex markers, followed by a quick, non-invasive, cost-effective duplex qPCR method for sexing A. gigas. These results may be valuable to efficient paiche aquaculture and conservation studies, helping to reduce the fishing pressure on its natural populations.Highlights of the manuscript–Implementation of a novel approach, called Genome Differences by Unmapped Reads, to identify DNA sex markers.–Finding of a Male-Specific Region (MSR), present only in males.–Development of a duplex qPCR to identify genotypic sex through non-invasive sampling.

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Sex-differences in the effect of obstructive sleep apnea on patients hospitalized with pulmonary embolism and on in-hospital mortality

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-97923-y ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Javier de-Miguel-Diez ◽

Marta Lopez-Herranz ◽

Valentín Hernandez-Barrera ◽

David Jimenez ◽

Manuel Monreal ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pulmonary Embolism ◽

Obstructive Sleep Apnea ◽

Sex Differences ◽

Sleep Apnea ◽

Hospital Mortality ◽

Hospital Admissions ◽

Non Invasive ◽

Non Invasive Ventilation ◽

Obstructive Sleep ◽

Discharge Database

AbstractWe determined sex differences in the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) among patients hospitalized with pulmonary embolism (PE) in Spain (2016–2018). We also compared outcomes according to the presence of OSA, and identified variables associated with in-hospital-mortality (IHM) after PE using the Spanish National Hospital Discharge Database. We identified 46,794 hospital admissions for PE; of these, 5.47% had OSA. OSA was more prevalent among men than women (7.57% vs. 3.65%, p < 0.001), as in the general population. Propensity score matching did not reveal differences in concomitant conditions or procedures between patients with and without OSA, except for the use of non-invasive ventilation, which was more frequent in patients with OSA. IHM was similar in patients with and without OSA (3.58% vs. 4.31% for men and 4.39% vs. 4.93% for women; p > 0.05). Older age, cancer, atrial fibrillation, non-septic shock, and need for mechanical ventilation increased IHM in men and women with OSA hospitalized with PE. The logistic regression model showed no sex differences in IHM among patients with OSA.

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Assessing the sex-related genomic composition difference using a K-mer-based approach: a case of study in Arapaima gigas (Pirarucu)

10.1101/2020.03.29.014647 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

R.L.D Cavalcante ◽

J.M. Ortega ◽

J.E.S Souza ◽

T. Sakamoto

Keyword(s):

Fish Farming ◽

Non Invasive ◽

Large Size ◽

Arapaima Gigas ◽

Genome Features ◽

Invasive Method ◽

Genetic Mechanisms ◽

Opposite Sex ◽

Determination System ◽

Sex Determination System

ABSTRACTArapaima gigas is one of the largest freshwater bony fish in the world, in which adults could weigh 200 kilograms and measure 3 meters in length. Due to its large size and its low-fat meat, Arapaima gigas has quickly become a species of special interest in fish-farming. One challenge faced during their production is the lack of an efficient sexing methodology, since their sexual maturation occurs late (around the third to the fifth year) and the genetic mechanisms linked to their sex determination system are not known yet. For a more sustainable management, it is of paramount importance to seek an effective and non-invasive method to differentiate sexually juvenile individuals of Arapaima gigas. For this, the establishment of genetic markers associated with sexual differentiation would be an advantageous tool. In this study, we proposed a k-mer based approach to identify genome features with sex-determining properties. For this purpose, we used genomic data from four adult representatives of Arapaima gigas, two males and two females, and counted the k-mers comprising them. As result, we found k-mers from repetitive regions with high difference and disproportion in the count among individuals of the opposite sex. These differences in the k-mer-based genomic composition indicate the existence of genetic factors involved in the sexing of individuals in Arapaima gigas.

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Sex differences in the non-invasive risk stratification and prognosis after myocardial infarction

Journal of Electrocardiology ◽

10.1016/j.jelectrocard.2014.08.010 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 47 (6) ◽

pp. 874-880 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Daniel Sinnecker ◽

Katharina M. Huster ◽

Alexander Müller ◽

Michael Dommasch ◽

Alexander Hapfelmeier ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Myocardial Infarction ◽

Sex Differences ◽

Risk Stratification ◽

Non Invasive

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Abstract 201: Sex Differences in Management and Outcomes in Young Adults With Myocardial Infarction

Circulation Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes ◽

10.1161/hcq.13.suppl_1.201 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 13 (Suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Nikita Patil ◽

Ryan Max ◽

Arman Qamar ◽

John P Vavalle ◽

Sameer Arora

Keyword(s):

Myocardial Infarction ◽

Young Adults ◽

Sex Differences ◽

Artery Bypass ◽

Bypass Graft ◽

Coronary Intervention ◽

Noninvasive Testing ◽

Prior History ◽

Inpatient Mortality ◽

Non Invasive

Objectives: Sex differences are known to exist in the management ofolder patients presenting with myocardial infarction (MI). Whether inpatient MI management, outcomes and readmissions differ by sex in young adults is not known. Methods: Nationwide Readmissions Database (NRD) was queried for hospitalizations with MI in adults between 18 and 50 years of age from October 2015 and November 2016 using ICD-10 CM codes. Hospitalizations with discharges in December were excluded as 30-day follow-up for these could not be completed in NRD. Logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the association between gender and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), coronary angiography, non-invasive testing, death and 30-day readmissions. ST-elevation MI (STEMI) subset was similarly analyzed. Results: Of 33,981 hospitalizations, 29% were females. Mean age was 43 years. STEMI constituted 13,177 hospitalizations with 22% females. As compared with men, women were more likely to have peripheral vascular disease (6% vs 4%), chronic pulmonary disease (17% vs 10%), diabetes mellitus (36% vs 28%); and less likely to have a prior history of MI (10% vs 12%). Women were less likely to undergo noninvasive testing (10% vs 11 %, p=0.002) and were revascularized less often than men with PCI (45% vs 56%, p<0.0001) and CABG (6% vs 7%, p<0.0001). Women underwent PCI less often in STEMI as well (72% vs. 76%, p<0.0001). Inpatient mortality and 30-day readmissions were higher in women overall (1.9% vs 1.6%, p=0.04) and (14% vs 9%, p<0.0001); as well as in STEMI: (4% vs 3%, p<0.0001) and (12% vs 8%, p<0.0001). In adjusted analysis (Figure 1: A, B), women were less likely to undergo non-invasive testing or revascularization in the overall cohort; and were less likely to undergo PCI in the STEMI cohort. Additionally, women had higher odds of 30-day readmissions overall, while the odds of inpatient mortality were higher only in STEMI subset. Conclusion: In a large MI cohort, young women were less likely to undergo ischemic workup and be revascularized, and had higher odds of 30-day readmissions. Women had higher odds of mortality in STEMI

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