scholarly journals Males deploy multifaceted strategies and hijack longevity pathways to induce premature demise of the opposite sex

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lauren N. Booth ◽  
Cheng Shi ◽  
Cindy Tantilert ◽  
Robin W. Yeo ◽  
Katja Hebestreit ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Negative Influence ◽  
Mechanisms Of Resistance ◽  
Protective Mechanisms ◽  
Systematic Analysis ◽  
Single Sex ◽  
Longevity Genes ◽  
Conserved Genes ◽  
Opposite Sex ◽  
Functional Regulation ◽  
Induce Weight Gain

AbstractInteractions between the sexes negatively impact health in many species, including mammals1–9. In mice, sexual interactions induce weight gain and shorten lifespan in females, independent of fertilization6,9. In Caenorhabditis, males shorten the lifespan of the opposite sex (females or hermaphrodites)1–3,8. However, the mechanisms underlying the negative influence of males on lifespan – and their overlap with known longevity pathways – are still largely unknown. Here, we use transcriptomic profiling and targeted screens to systematically uncover new conserved genes involved in male-induced demise. Interestingly, deficiency of these genes individually, and especially in combination, induces strong protection, highlighting the benefit of combining interventions to extend lifespan. Some genes (e.g. acbp-3, col-43) only extend hermaphrodite lifespan when knocked-down in the presence of males, suggesting specific protective mechanisms against male-induced demise. However, we also uncover two previously unknown longevity genes (sri-40 and delm-2) that, when knocked-down, extend hermaphrodite lifespan both with and without males, which points to new broad mechanisms of resistance. In sharp contrast, many classical long-lived mutants are actually short-lived in the presence of males, suggesting that males hijack and suppress known longevity pathways. This systematic analysis reveals striking differences in longevity in single sex versus mixed sex environments and uncovers the elaborate network of functional regulation elicited by sexual interactions, which could extend to other species.

scholarly journals The production of excretory-secretory molecules from Heligmosomoides polygyrus bakeri fourth stage larvae varies between mixed and single sex cultures

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marta Maruszewska-Cheruiyot ◽  
Ludmiła Szewczak ◽  
Katarzyna Krawczak-Wójcik ◽  
Magdalena Głaczyńska ◽  
Katarzyna Donskow-Łysoniewska
Keyword(s):  
Sex Pheromones ◽  
Pheromone Communication ◽  
Larval Culture ◽  
Heligmosomoides Polygyrus ◽  
Single Sex ◽  
Opposite Sex ◽  
Potential Vaccine ◽  
Immunomodulatory Properties ◽  
Therapeutic Compounds ◽  
Immunomodulatory Potential

Abstract Background Excretory-secretory (ES) products are crucial in maintaining helminths in the host. Consequently, the proteins of ES are potential vaccine molecules and potential therapeutic agents for autoimmune diseases. Heligmosomoides polygyrus bakeri, a gastrointestinal parasite of mice, is a model of hookworm infection in humans. ES produced by both sexes of H. polygyrus bakeri L4 stage cultured separately shows different immunomodulatory properties than ES obtained when both sexes are cultured together. Accordingly, the objective of this study was to identify and compare the excretory-secretory molecules from single-sex and mixed cultures. Methods The composition of ES of male and female L4 stage nematodes in the presence (cultured together) or absence (cultured alone) of the opposite sex was examined. Proteins were identified using mass spectrometry. The functions of identified proteins were explored with Blast2GO. Results A total of 258 proteins derived from mixed larval culture in the presence of sex pheromones were identified, 160 proteins from pure female cultures and 172 from pure male cultures. Exposure of nematodes to the sex pheromones results in abundant production of proteins with immunomodulatory properties such as Val proteins, acetylcholinesterases, TGF-β mimic 9 and HpARI. Proteins found only in ES from mixed larval cultures were TGF-β mimics 6 and 7 as well as galectin. Conclusions The presence of the opposite sex strongly influences the composition of ES products, probably by chemical (pheromone) communication between individuals. However, examination of the composition of ES from various conditions gives an opportunity for searching for new potentially therapeutic compounds and anthelminthics as well as components of vaccines. Manipulation of the nematode environment might be important for the studies on the immunomodulatory potential of nematodes.

Methodological Approaches to Assessing the Level of Economic Security of Small and Medium-Sized Businesses

2021 ◽  
pp. 61-69
Author(s):  
O. Bykova ◽  
Andrey Garnov ◽  
A. Shpileva ◽  
A. Chuhlebov
Keyword(s):  
Well Being ◽  
Negative Influence ◽  
Economic Security ◽  
Current Level ◽  
Systematic Analysis ◽  
Sustainable Implementation ◽  
Modern Development ◽  
Methodological Approaches ◽  
High Level ◽  
Functional Components

In the constantly changing conditions of the external environment, with the modern development of science and technology, with a high level of competition, the success of an organization's functioning lies in its timely ability to effectively respond to market demands. An enterprise's resistance to external and internal threats is determined by the level of its economic security. In other words, the economic security of an enterprise is the state of its protection from the negative influence of external and internal threats, destabilizing factors, under which the sustainable implementation of the main commercial interests and goals of the statutory activities is achieved. It is extremely important to conduct a systematic analysis of the management of the economic security of enterprises, develop effective methods for assessing the current level of security in companies and improve mechanisms for increasing economic security to improve the competitiveness of Russian business in modern market realities. The concept of economic security includes a whole range of functional components. In addition to financial security, the system of economic security includes personnel, technological, market, legal, interface, environmental, information and power components, which equally affect the well-being of the company. And only when comprehensive measures are taken to improve each functional component, a high, competitive level of economic security can be achieved. It is extremely important to understand the essence of the economic security of an enterprise, to study methodological approaches to assessing the current level of economic security and to learn how to correctly use the mechanisms to improve it.

Coeducation and Sex Roles

1986 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 117-131 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary B. Harris
Keyword(s):  
High School ◽  
University Students ◽  
Sexual Intercourse ◽  
Sex Roles ◽  
Natural Attitude ◽  
Single Sex ◽  
Happy Marriage ◽  
Opposite Sex ◽  
Males And Females ◽  
Coeducational High Schools

In order to test conflicting hypotheses about the effects of coeducational versus single-sex schooling, 538 first-term Australian university students who had attended single sex or coeducational high schools were compared on a number of variables relating to sex roles. Those from the two types of schools did not differ significantly on the Australian Sex Roles Inventory or on a measure of nontraditional attitudes towards sex roles, although males and females differed in predictable ways. Most subjects, particularly those from coeducational schools, felt that coeducational schools are preferable and lead to a more natural attitude towards the opposite sex. Subjects from coeducational rather than single-sex schools said that they had more opposite-sex friends in high school and were more likely to feel that their school helped rather than hindered their everyday relations with the opposite sex and their chances for a happy marriage. However subjects did not feel that boys and girls learn or behave better in coeducational schools, and there were no differences in the percentages of subjects from the two types of schools who reported having had sexual intercourse or been in love while in high school. The single-sex schools attended tended to differ from the coeducational ones in being smaller, more urban, and more likely to be selective, which made comparisons difficult to interpret. Nevertheless it seems reasonable to conclude that coeducational schooling, at least for this selective sample, may have some advantages in fostering interactions with the opposite sex.

scholarly journals Freud’s Oedipus Complex in the #MeToo Era: A Discussion of the Validity of Psychoanalysis in Light of Contemporary Research

Philosophies ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 27
Author(s):  
Renée Spencer
Keyword(s):  
Child Development ◽  
Sexual Violence ◽  
Belief Systems ◽  
Negative Influence ◽  
Oedipus Complex ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Contemporary Research ◽  
Mental Health Issues ◽  
Trauma Informed ◽  
Opposite Sex

The Oedipus complex is a child development construct developed by Sigmond Freud that asserts that all children experience sexual desire towards their opposite sex parent, and failure to accept this “truth” can lead to mental health issues. Freud also asserted that children are not harmed by acts of sexual violence. In contrast, the #MeToo movement is a global incentive aimed at creating an awareness of the harm that sexual violence can cause. In many regards, #MeToo is a reaction against a systemic failure to prevent sexual violence from occurring in the first place. By contrasting Freudian ideas with #MeToo, I argue that the enduring popularity of Freud and his psychoanalytic ideas is a negative influence on culture. In the light of contemporary research from cognitive psychology, psychosocial considerations, child development, and trauma-informed practices, Freudian ideas can be proven to be fallible. Moreover, dispelling misleading assumptions about sexual desires is a beneficial endeavour towards reducing the likelihood of future sexual violence. Additionally, I explore Freudian interpretations of mythology and propose that he misappropriated ancient belief systems.

scholarly journals Maternal Serum Steroid Levels Are Unrelated to Fetal Sex: A Study in Twin Pregnancies

2005 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 173-177 ◽  
Author(s):  
Celina C. C. Cohen-Bendahan ◽  
Stephanie H. M. van Goozen ◽  
Jan K. Buitelaar ◽  
Peggy T. Cohen-Kettenis
Keyword(s):  
Prenatal Exposure ◽  
Twin Pair ◽  
Maternal Serum ◽  
The Other ◽  
Male Fetus ◽  
Female Fetus ◽  
Single Sex ◽  
Opposite Sex ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Twin Pregnancies

AbstractIncreased prenatal exposure to testosterone (T) in females of an opposite-sex (OS) twin pair may have an effect on the development of sex-typical cognitive and behavioral patterns. The prenatal exposure to T due to hormone transfer in OS twin females may occur in two ways, one directly via the feto–fetal transfer route within the uterus, the other indirectly through maternal–fetal transfer and based in the maternal–fetal compartment. Although some studies in singletons indeed found that women pregnant with a male fetus have higher T levels during gestation than women pregnant with a female fetus, many other studies could not find any relation between the sex of the fetus and maternal serum steroid levels. Therefore at present it is unclear whether a pregnant woman bearing a male has higher levels of T than a woman bearing a female. Up to this point, no-one has investigated this issue in twin pregnancies. We examined the relationship between maternal serum steroid levels and sex of fetus in 17 female–female, 9 male–male and 29 OS twin pregnancies. No differences were observed between the maternal serum steroid levels of women expecting single-sex and mixed-sex offspring. It is concluded that the source of prenatal T exposure in females probably comes from the fetal unit, which is the direct route of fetal hormone transfer.

Attention to Sex in Psychological Research as Related to Journal Policy and Author Sex

1979 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 175-184 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claire Etaugh ◽  
Deborah Bohn Spandikow
Keyword(s):  
Sex Differences ◽  
Child Development ◽  
Developmental Psychology ◽  
Editorial Policy ◽  
Psychological Research ◽  
Senior Author ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Female Authors ◽  
Single Sex ◽  
Opposite Sex

From 1969 to 1974, Developmental Psychology, but not Child Development, specified that authors analyze for sex differences. The authors examined 503 studies published in Child Development and Developmental Psychology in 1971 and 1975. Sex of senior author, subjects and experimenter(s) were recorded for each study. If subjects of both sexes were used, the presence or absence of the following were noted: (a) analysis of sex differences; (b) hypotheses regarding sex differences; (c) mention of subjects' sex in the abstract. For single-sex-subject studies, mention of subjects' sex in the discussion or conclusion was noted. Using these data as dependent variables, chi-square analyses were performed comparing: (a) the two journals; (b) 1971 and 1975 authors; and (c) male and female authors. The findings were: (a) More attention was paid to sex in Developmental Psychology when the journal had a written editorial policy regarding this factor; (b) Evidence was mixed for increasing awareness of sex as a variable between 1971 and 1975; (c) Female authors were more aware of sex than were male authors in 1971 but not in 1975; (d) In both years, authors used own-sex subjects and experimenters more than those of the opposite sex; (e) Developmental psychologists, as compared to psychologists in other areas previously examined, were more sensitive to sex as a variable.

scholarly journals On the origins of sexual dimorphism in butterflies

2010 ◽  
Vol 278 (1714) ◽  
pp. 1981-1988 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey C. Oliver ◽  
Antónia Monteiro
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Dimorphism ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Temporal Separation ◽  
Intralocus Sexual Conflict ◽  
Single Sex ◽  
Wing Patterns ◽  
Sexual Selection Theory ◽  
Opposite Sex ◽  
Phylogenetic Framework ◽  
Alternative Processes

The processes governing the evolution of sexual dimorphism provided a foundation for sexual selection theory. Two alternative processes, originally proposed by Darwin and Wallace, differ primarily in the timing of events creating the dimorphism. In the process advocated by Darwin, a novel ornament arises in a single sex, with no temporal separation in the origin and sex-limitation of the novel trait. By contrast, Wallace proposed a process where novel ornaments appear simultaneously in both sexes, but are then converted into sex-limited expression by natural selection acting against showy coloration in one sex. Here, we investigate these alternative modes of sexual dimorphism evolution in a phylogenetic framework and demonstrate that both processes contribute to dimorphic wing patterns in the butterfly genera Bicyclus and Junonia . In some lineages, eyespots and bands arise in a single sex, whereas in other lineages they appear in both sexes but are then lost in one of the sexes. In addition, lineages displaying sexual dimorphism were more likely to become sexually monomorphic than they were to remain dimorphic. This derived monomorphism was either owing to a loss of the ornament (‘drab monomorphism’) or owing to a gain of the same ornament by the opposite sex (‘mutual ornamentation’). Our results demonstrate the necessity of a plurality in theories explaining the evolution of sexual dimorphism within and across taxa. The origins and evolutionary fate of sexual dimorphism are probably influenced by underlying genetic architecture responsible for sex-limited expression and the degree of intralocus sexual conflict. Future comparative and developmental work on sexual dimorphism within and among taxa will provide a better understanding of the biases and constraints governing the evolution of animal sexual dimorphism.

scholarly journals Do Patients Really Mind Mixed Sex Bays in an Emergency Assessment Unit?

2009 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 119-122
Author(s):  
Hayley K Bonner ◽  
◽  
Steven J Frost ◽  
Martin G Smith ◽  
Elizabeth J Williams ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Patient Satisfaction ◽  
Emergency Admissions ◽  
Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire ◽  
Satisfaction Questionnaire ◽  
Media Attention ◽  
Single Sex ◽  
Assessment Unit ◽  
Opposite Sex ◽  
And Function

Mixed sex bays are a reality on most Emergency Assessment Units (EAU). However, they are controversial having recently been the focus of political and media attention. We adapted a validated patient satisfaction questionnaire to seek the views of 1000 emergency admissions regarding mixed sex accommodation. Of 1000 respondents, 925 (92%) had been in bays and 665 (66%) shared with the opposite sex. Most 579/665 (87%) were comfortable with this, 97% (966/1000) feeling there was sufficient level of privacy, all (1000/1000) felt they were given privacy when needed. When asked ‘‘given the nature and function of EAU would you be willing to share with the opposite sex if it meant a shorter stay?’’, 857 (86%) said yes. Our study demonstrates that whilst single sex accommodation is ideal it is not the most important factor to most patients admitted to EAU.

Effects of UVC254 nm on the photosynthetic activity of photobionts from the astrobiologically relevant lichens Buellia frigida and Circinaria gyrosa

2014 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 340-352 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Meeßen ◽  
T. Backhaus ◽  
A. Sadowsky ◽  
M. Mrkalj ◽  
F.J. Sánchez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Photosynthetic Activity ◽  
Real Space ◽  
Photochemical Quenching ◽  
Yield Reduction ◽  
Mechanisms Of Resistance ◽  
Protective Mechanisms ◽  
The Past ◽  
The Earth ◽  
Buellia Frigida ◽  
Non Photochemical Quenching

AbstractIn the past decade, various astrobiological studies on different lichen species investigated the impairment of viability and photosynthetic activity by exposure to simulated or real space parameters (as vacuum, polychromatic ultraviolet (UV)-radiation and monochromatic UVC) and consistently found high post-exposure viability as well as low rates of photosynthetic impairment (de Vera et al. 2003, 2004a; 2004b; de la Torre et al. 2010; Onofri et al. 2012; Sánchez et al. 2012, 2014; Brandt et al. 2014). To achieve a better understanding of the basic mechanisms of resistance, the present study subdued isolated and metabolically active photobionts of two astrobiologically relevant lichens to UVC254 nm, examined its effect on photosynthetic activity by chlorophyll a fluorescence and characterized the UVC-induced damages by quantum yield reduction and measurements of non-photochemical quenching. The results indicate a strong impairment of photosynthetic activity, photoprotective mechanisms and overall photobiont vitality when being irradiated in the isolated and metabolically active state. In conclusion, the present study stresses the higher susceptibility of photobionts towards extreme environmental conditions as UVC-exposure, a stressor that does not occur on the Earth. By comparison with previous studies, the present results highlight the importance of protective mechanisms in lichens, such as morphological–anatomical traits (Meeßen et al. 2013), secondary lichen compounds (Meeßen et al. 2014) and the symbiont's pivotal ability to pass into anhydrobiosis when desiccating.

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