female specific
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2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Siqin Shen ◽  
Wing-Kai Lam ◽  
Jin Teng ◽  
Sheng-Wei Jia ◽  
Julien S. Baker ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: While the roles of injury prevention and performance enhancement have increasingly been investigated for badminton footwear, there is a lack of research on gender-specific badminton footwear. The purpose of this study was to examine the gender differences in footwear demands and foot injuries in badminton. Methods: A supervised questionnaire survey of 326 recreational badminton players was collected. The questionnaire was divided into four sections enquiring about the characteristics of (1) participant profiles, (2) importance of shoe properties (3) shoe complaints. (4) and pain or discomfort in different foot regions. The Mann-Whitney U test and Wilcoxon Signed Ranks test were performed to determine the differences between genders and the differences between leg dominance, respectively. The significance level was set at 0.05.Results: Both males and females rated shoe fit as the most important features, followed by overall comfort, and injury protection. Females considered forefoot cushioning, comfort, breathability and color as the more important compared with other properties, which showed distinct pattern differences from males. The shoe problem results indicated that plantar pain of the non-dominant foot was considered the most commonly reported footwear problem by both males and females. The problem of excessive arch-support on the dominant and non-dominant sides of male participants was significantly higher than females (p < 0.05). Occasional pain or frequent pain were mainly distributed in the forefoot, followed by the rearfoot and midfoot regions.Conclusion: There were small differences in footwear demand between the dominant and non-dominant sides, but several differences existed between females and males. The results from gender differences suggested that female specific shoes prefer a specific better fit, rather than a modified version of male shoes. In the future, the design of badminton shoes should consider footwear demands and foot discomfort profiles in respective male and female badminton players.


Author(s):  
Moritz Gerbaulet ◽  
Anton Möllerke ◽  
Katharina Weiss ◽  
Satya Chinta ◽  
Jutta M. Schneider ◽  
...  

AbstractEmerging evidence shows that the cuticular and silk lipids of spiders are structurally more diverse than those of insects, although only a relatively low number of species have been investigated so far. As in insects, such lipids might play a role as signals in various contexts. The wasp spider Argiope bruennichi has probably the best investigated chemical communication system within spiders, including the known structure of the female sex pheromone. Recently we showed that kin-recognition in A. bruennichi could be mediated through the cuticular compounds consisting of hydrocarbons and, to a much larger proportion, of wax esters. By use of mass spectrometry and various derivatization methods, these were identified as esters of 2,4-dimethylalkanoic acids and 1-alkanols of varying chain lengths, such as tetradecyl 2,4-dimethylheptadecanoate. A representative enantioselective synthesis of this compound was performed which proved the identifications and allowed us to postulate that the natural enantiomer likely has the (2R,4R)-configuration. Chemical profiles of the silk and cuticular lipids of females were similar, while male cuticular profiles differed from those of females. Major components of the male cuticular lipids were tridecyl 2,4-dimethyl-C17-19 alkanoates, whereas those of females were slightly longer, comprising tridecyl 2,4-dimethyl-C19-21 alkanoates. In addition, minor female-specific 4-methylalkyl esters were detected.


2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Valentina Peona ◽  
Mozes Blom ◽  
Carolina Frankl-Vilches ◽  
Borja Milá ◽  
Hidayat Ashari ◽  
...  

Structural variants (SVs) are DNA mutations that can have relevant effects at micro- and macro-evolutionary scales. The detection of SVs is largely limited by the type and quality of sequencing technologies adopted, therefore genetic variability linked to SVs may remain undiscovered, especially in complex repetitive genomic regions. In this study, we used a combination of long-read and linked-read genome assemblies to investigate the occurrence of insertions and dele-tions across the chromosomes of 14 species of birds-of-paradise and two species of estrildid finches including highly repetitive W chro-mosomes. The species sampling encompasses most genera and representatives from all major clades of birds-of-paradise, allowing comparisons between individuals of the same species, genus, and family. We found the highest densities of SVs to be located on the microchromosomes and on the female-specific W chromosome. Genome assemblies of multiple individuals from the same species allowed us to compare the levels of genetic variability linked to SVs and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on the W and other chromosomes. Our results demonstrate that the avian W chromosome harbours more genetic variability than previously thought and that its structure is shaped by the continuous accumulation and turn-over of transposable element insertions, especially endogenous retroviruses.


2021 ◽  
pp. 155982762110597
Author(s):  
Raymond Jones ◽  
Keith C. Norris ◽  
Stephanie M. McCoy ◽  
Roland J. Thorpe ◽  
Marino A. Bruce ◽  
...  

Modifiable, behavioral risk factors like occupational sitting may contribute to inflammation, an important cardiovascular risk factor. This study evaluated the association of self-reported occupational sitting with changes in c-reactive protein (CRP) and the role of sex. We examined occupational sitting and baseline CRP levels for 2889 African American participants in the Jackson Heart Study. Four multivariable linear regression models were estimated to determine the association of occupational sitting and CRP. Analyses were conducted in 2020. The mean age was 50.8 years and 61% were female. Participants who reported occupational sitting as “often/always” had CRP levels of 4.9±6.8 mg/L, “sometimes” had levels of 4.8±8.1 mg/L, and “never/seldom” had levels of 4.3±6.8 mg/L. In the unadjusted model, “often/always” engaging in occupational sitting was significantly associated with higher levels of CRP when compared to “never/seldom” ( P < .05). This differed by sex with female participants who reported “often/always” occupational sitting had CRP levels of 6.0±7.6 mg/L compared to only 5.1±6.9 mg/L for “never/seldom.” Neither the overall association nor the female-specific association remained statistically significant in the adjusted models. We found an association between occupational sitting and inflammation, measured by CRP. This association varied by sex but did not remain significant after fully adjusting for covariates.


Author(s):  
Johan Quester ◽  
Maria Nethander ◽  
Anna Eriksson ◽  
Claes Ohlsson

Abstract Context A recent pooled analysis of four clinical trials demonstrated that treatment with dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) increases lumbar spine BMD (LS-BMD) in women. The causal effect of endogenous adrenal-derived DHEA-sulphate (DHEAS) on LS-BMD and fracture risk in women is unknown. Objective To determine whether circulating DHEAS is causally associated with LS-BMD and fracture risk in women. Methods A two-sample mendelian randomization study using genetic predictors of serum DHEAS derived from the largest available female-specific genome wide association study (GWAS) meta-analysis (n=8 565). Genetic associations with DXA-derived BMD (n=22 900) were obtained from female specific GWAS summary statistics available from the GEFOS consortium while individual-level data of 238 565 women of white ancestry from the UK Biobank were used for associations with fractures (11 564 forearm fractures, 2 604 hip fractures) and estimated heel BMD by ultrasound (eBMD). Results A 1 standard deviation (SD) genetically instrumented increase in log serum DHEAS levels was associated with a 0.21 SD increase in LS-BMD (P-value: 0.01) and a 0.08 SD increase in eBMD (P-value: &lt;0.001). Genetically predicted DHEAS decreased forearm fracture risk (odds ratio (OR): 0.70, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.55-0.88 per SD increase in DHEAS) while no significant causal association with hip fractures was observed. Conclusions Genetically predicted serum DHEAS increases LS-BMD and decreases forearm fracture risk in women. Based on the results of the present study and previous RCTs of DHEA treatment, we propose that both endogenous adrenal-derived DHEA(S) and pharmacological DHEA treatment improve bone health in women.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yasuhiko Chikami ◽  
Miki Okuno ◽  
Atsushi Toyoda ◽  
Takehiko Itoh ◽  
Teruyuki Niimi

AbstractGain of alternative splicing gives rise to functional diversity in proteins and underlies the complexity and diversity of biological aspects. However, it is still not fully understood how alternatively spliced genes develop the functional novelty. To this end, we infer the evolutionary history of the doublesex gene, the key transcriptional factor in the sexual differentiation of arthropods. doublesex is controlled by sex-specific splicing and promotes both male and female differentiation in some holometabolan insects. In contrast, doublesex promotes only male differentiation in some hemimetabolan insects. Here, we investigate ancestral states of doublesex using Thermobia domestica belonging to Zygentoma, the sister group of winged insects. We find that doublesex of T. domestica expresses sex-specific isoforms but is only necessary for male differentiation of sexual morphology. This result ensures the hypothesis that doublesex was initially only used to promote male differentiation during insect evolution. However, T. domestica doublesex has a short female-specific region and upregulates the expression of vitellogenin homologs in females, suggesting that doublesex may have already controlled some aspects of feminization in the common ancestor of winged insects. Reconstruction of the ancestral sequence and prediction of the protein structure show that the female-specific isoform of doublesex has a long C-terminal disordered region in holometabolan insects, but not in non-holometabolan species. We propose that doublesex acquired a female-specific isoform and then underwent a change in the protein motif structure, which became essential for female differentiation in sexual dimorphisms.


2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (4) ◽  
pp. 279-296
Author(s):  
Tamara Borger ◽  
Elsa J Nel ◽  
Laura M Kok ◽  
Florine E Marinelli ◽  
Kees H Woldendorp

BACKGROUND: Female musicians are prone to the development of musculoskeletal complaints (MSC). The etiology of this increased risk is poorly understood. As the number of professional female musicians increases, so does the importance of understanding female-specific risk factors for MSC in musicians. OBJECTIVE: To provide an overview of current literature of proven and possible risk factors/etiology of MSC in female musicians, and to identify topics for future studies. METHODS: Systematic review performed according to international guidelines. A database search was performed in MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane, PsycINFO, clinicaltrials.gov, and gray literature. Studies were independently selected and rated by two reviewers. QUIPS and STROBE guidelines were used for assessing quality and risk of bias. Risk factors were categorized by means of the theoretical framework of the International Classification of Functioning (ICF) and evaluated using the Bradford Hill criteria for causality. RESULTS: Out of 1,924 records, 10 eligible studies were included. A low to moderate level of methodological quality was present in the studies. Fifteen risk factors could be identified from the included studies, which were positioned in the ICF model. The two most frequently mentioned female-specific risk factors were hand size and joint laxity. None of the risk factors fulfilled Bradford Hill’s criteria for causality. Many other risk factors were suggested, while a number of expected causes were not encountered. CONCLUSION: At this moment, no evidence-based deductions can be made about female-specific risk factors for MSC in musicians. There is a lack of high-quality studies in this field and a need for studies with a different focus and a prospective study design.


Author(s):  
David R. Hall ◽  
Steven J. Harte ◽  
Dudley I. Farman ◽  
Mark Ero ◽  
Alfred Pokana

AbstractThe coconut rhinoceros beetle, Oryctes rhinoceros (Linnaeus 1758) (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Dynastinae) (CRB), is endemic to tropical Asia where it damages both coconut and oil palm. A new invasion by CRB occurred on Guam in 2007 and eradication attempts failed using commonly applied Oryctes rhinoceros nudivirus (OrNV) isolates. This and subsequent invasive outbreaks were found to have been caused by a previously unrecognized haplotype, CRB-G, which appeared to be tolerant to OrNV. The male-produced aggregation pheromone of the endemic, susceptible strain of O. rhinoceros (CRB-S) was previously identified as ethyl 4-methyloctanoate. Following reports from growers that commercial lures containing this compound were not attractive to CRB-G, the aim of this work was to identify the pheromone of CRB-G. Initial collections of volatiles from virgin male and female CRB-G adults from the Solomon Islands failed to show any male- or female-specific compounds as candidate pheromone components. Only after five months were significant quantities of ethyl 4-methyloctanoate and 4-methyloctanoic acid produced by males but not by females. No other male-specific compounds could be detected, in particular methyl 4-methyloctanoate, 4-methyl-1-octanol, or 4-methyl-1-octyl acetate, compounds identified in volatiles from some other species of Oryctes. Ethyl 4-methyloctanoate elicited a strong electroantennogram response from both male and female CRB-G, but these other compounds, including 4-methyloctanoic acid, did not. The enantiomers of ethyl 4-methyloctanoate and 4-methyloctanoic acid were conveniently prepared by enzymatic resolution of the commercially-available acid, and the enantiomers of the acid, but not the ester, could be separated by gas chromatography on an enantioselective cyclodextrin phase. Using this approach, both ethyl 4-methyloctanoate and 4-methyloctanoic acid produced by male CRB-G were shown to be exclusively the (R)-enantiomers whereas previous reports had suggested male O. rhinoceros produced the (S)-enantiomers. However, re-examination of the ester and acid produced by male CRB-S from Papua New Guinea showed that these were also the (R)-enantiomers. In field trapping experiments carried out in the Solomon Islands, both racemic and ethyl (R)-4-methyloctanoate were highly attractive to both male and female CRB-G beetles. The (S)-enantiomer and the corresponding acids were only weakly attractive. The addition of racemic 4-methyloctanoic acid to ethyl 4-methyloctanoate did significantly increase attractiveness, but the addition of (R)- or (S)-4-methyloctanoic acid to the corresponding ethyl esters did not. Possible reasons for the difference in assignment of configuration of the components of the CRB pheromone are discussed along with the practical implications of these results.


Insects ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (11) ◽  
pp. 998
Author(s):  
Basman H. Al-Jalely ◽  
Wei Xu

Trichogramma pretiosum Riley (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) is a tiny natural egg parasitoid of several agricultural pest insects, which has been widely used in the biological control for Plutella xylostella, Helicoverpa armigera, Spodoptera frugiperda and Ectomyelois ceratoniae. However, limited studies have been conducted on T. pretiosum olfactory system, which is critical in regulating insect behaviours. In this study, T. pretiosum adult antennae were investigated under ascanning electron microscopy (SEM). Four types of olfactory sensilla were observed, including chaetica sensilla (CS), trichoid sensilla (TS), faleate sensilla (FS) and placoid sensilla (PS). Using T. pretiosum genome, 22 putative odorant binding proteins (OBPs) and 105 odorant receptors (ORs) were identified, which were further compared with olfactory genes of Apis mellifera, Nasonia vitripennis and Diachasma alloeum. The expression patterns of OBPs between T. pretiosum male and female adults were examined by quantitative real time PCR (qRT-PCR) approaches. Three female-specific OBPs (TpreOBP19, TpreOBP15 and TpreOBP3) were identified, which may play crucial roles in T. pretiosum host-seeking and oviposition behaviours. This study enriches our knowledge of T. pretiosum olfactory genes and improves our understanding of its olfactory system.


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