scholarly journals Vulvovaginal Candidiasis: A Current Understanding and Burning Questions

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 27 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hubertine M. E. Willems ◽  
Salman S. Ahmed ◽  
Junyan Liu ◽  
Zhenbo Xu ◽  
Brian M. Peters
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Vulvovaginal Candidiasis ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Current State ◽  
Child Bearing ◽  
Causative Agents ◽  
Insight Into ◽  
A Current

Candida albicans, along with other closely related Candida species, are the primary causative agents of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC)—a multifactorial infectious disease of the lower female reproductive tract resulting in pathologic inflammation. Unlike other forms of candidiasis, VVC is a disease of immunocompetent and otherwise healthy women, most predominant during their child-bearing years. While VVC is non-lethal, its high global incidence and profound negative impact on quality-of-life necessitates further understanding of the host and fungal factors that drive disease pathogenesis. In this review, we cover the current state of our understanding of the epidemiology, host response, fungal pathogenicity mechanisms, impact of the microbiome, and novel approaches to treatment of this most prevalent human candidal infection. We also offer insight into the latest advancements in the VVC field and identify important questions that still remain.

scholarly journals Copulation, genital damage and early death in Callosobruchus maculatus

2006 ◽  
Vol 274 (1607) ◽  
pp. 247-252 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul E Eady ◽  
Leticia Hamilton ◽  
Ruth E Lyons
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Callosobruchus Maculatus ◽  
Seminal Fluid ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Early Death ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Mating Frequency ◽  
Trade Off ◽  
Female Longevity ◽  
Fluid Transfer

Antagonistic sexual coevolution stems from the notion that male and female interests over reproduction are in conflict. Such conflicts appear to be particularly obvious when male genital armature inflicts damage to the female reproductive tract resulting in reduced female longevity. However, studies of mating frequency, genital damage and female longevity are difficult to interpret because females not only sustain more genital damage, but also receive more seminal fluid when they engage in multiple copulations. Here, we attempt to disentangle the effects of genital damage and seminal fluid transfer on female longevity in the beetle Callosobruchus maculatus (Coleoptera: Bruchidae). Males copulating for the sixth time in succession inflicted greater levels of genital damage, but transferred smaller ejaculates in comparison with virgin males. The number of copulations performed by males was negatively related to female fecundity and positively related to female longevity, suggesting a trade-off between fecundity and longevity. However, inclusion of fecundity as a covariate revealed sperm and/or seminal fluid transfer to have a negative impact on female longevity above that caused by the fecundity–longevity trade-off. The consequences of multiple copulations on female longevity were examined. Females that mated twice laid more eggs and died sooner than those that mated once. However, incorporation of fecundity as a covariate into our statistical model removed the effect of female mating frequency on female longevity, indicating that double-mated females suffer greater mortality owing to the trade-off between fecundity and longevity. Males of this species are known to transfer very large ejaculates (up to 8% of their body weight), which may represent a significant nutritional benefit to females. However, the receipt of large ejaculates appears to carry costs. Thus, the interpretation of multiple mating experiments on female longevity and associated functional explanations of polyandry in this species are likely to be complex.

scholarly journals Emotions in leaders’ enactment of professional agency

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 143-165 ◽  
Author(s):  
Päivi Hökkä ◽  
Katja Vähäsantanen ◽  
Susanna Paloniemi ◽  
Sanna Herranen ◽  
Anneli Eteläpelto
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Leadership Coaching ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Current State ◽  
Before And After ◽  
State Of Affairs ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
A Current

Purpose Although there has been an increase in workplace studies on professional agency, few of these have examined the role of emotions in the enactment of agency at work. To date, professional agency has been mainly conceptualised as a goal-oriented, rational activity aimed at influencing a current state of affairs. Challenged by this, this study aims to elaborate the nature and quality of emotions and how they might be connected to the enactment of professional agency. Design/methodology/approach Data are collected in the context of a leadership coaching programme that aimed to promote the leaders’ professional agency over the course of a year. The participants (11 middle-management leaders working in university and hospital contexts) were interviewed before and after the programme, and the data were analysed using qualitative content analysis. Findings Findings showed that emotions played an important role in the leaders’ enactment of professional agency, as it pertained to their work and to their professional identity. The study suggests that enacting professional agency is by no means a matter of purely rational actions. Practical implications The study suggests that emotional agency can be learned and enhanced through group-based interventions reflecting on and processing one’s own professional roles and work. Originality/value As a theoretical conclusion, the study argues that professional agency should be reconceptualised in such a way as to acknowledge the importance of emotions (one’s own and those of one’s fellow workers) in practising agency within organisational contexts.

scholarly journals In vivo exposure to 17β-estradiol triggers premature sperm capacitation in cauda epididymis

Reproduction ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 145 (3) ◽  
pp. 255-263 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lukas Ded ◽  
Natasa Sebkova ◽  
Martina Cerna ◽  
Fatima Elzeinova ◽  
Pavla Dostalova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Reproductive Potential ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Sperm Capacitation ◽  
Epididymal Sperm ◽  
Knock Out ◽  
17Β Estradiol

Estrogens play a crucial role in spermatogenesis and estrogen receptor α knock-out male mice are infertile. It has been demonstrated that estrogens significantly increase the speed of capacitation in vitro; however this may lead to the reduction of reproductive potential due to the decreased ability of these sperm to undergo the acrosome reaction. To date the in vivo effect of estrogens on the ability of sperm to capacitate has not been investigated. Therefore, in this study, we exposed mice (n=24) to 17β-estradiol (E2) at the concentration of 20 ng/ml either during puberty from the fourth to seventh week of age (n=8), or continuously from birth for a period of 12 weeks (n=8) at which age the animals from both groups were killed. The capacitation status of epididymal and testicular sperm was analysed by tyrosine phosphorylation (TyrP) antibody (immunofluorescence and western blot) and chlortetracycline (CTC) assay. According to our results, in vivo exposure to increased E2 concentrations caused premature sperm capacitation in the epididymis. The effect of E2, however, seems reversible because after the termination of the exposure premature epididymal sperm capacitation is decreased in animals treated during puberty. Furthermore the changes in epididymal sperm capacitation status detected by TyrP and CTC positively correlate with plasma levels of E2 and the expression of the estrogen-dependent trefoil factor 1 (Tff1) gene in testicular tissue. Therefore, our data implicate that in vivo exposure to E2 under specific conditions leads to the premature capacitation of mouse sperm in epididymis with a potential negative impact on the sperm reproductive fitness in the female reproductive tract.

scholarly journals In vitro 3D Model of Female Reproductive Tract: An Overview and Future Aspect

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arnaud Martino Capuzzo
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Reproductive Organs ◽  
Experimental Models ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Complex Interactions ◽  
Current State ◽  
Pregnancy And Delivery ◽  
Recent Developments

Hormones must be balanced and dynamically controlled for the Female Reproductive Tract (FRT) to function correctly during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and delivery. Gamete selection and successful transfer to the uterus, where it implants and pregnancy occurs, is supported by the mucosal epithelial lining of the FRT ovaries, uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, and vagina. Successful implantation and placentation in humans and other animals rely on complex interactions between the embryo and a receptive female reproductive system. The FRT's recent breakthroughs in three-dimensional (3D) organoid systems now provide critical experimental models that match the organ's physiological, functional, and anatomical characteristics in vitro. This article summarizes the current state of the art on organoids generated from various parts of the FRT. The current analysis examines recent developments in the creation of organoid models of reproductive organs, as well as their future directions.

scholarly journals Patient-derived endometrial organoids from MRKH patients: Insight in disease causing pathways

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Y. Brucker ◽  
Thomas Hentrich ◽  
Julia M. Schulze-Hentrich ◽  
Martin Pietzsch ◽  
Noel Wajngarten ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Ovarian Function ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Mrkh Syndrome ◽  
Powerful Research Tool ◽  
Healthy Control ◽  
Organoid Cultures ◽  
Holding Back

The uterus is responsible for the nourishment and mechanical protection of the developing embryo and fetus and is an essential part in mammalian reproduction. The Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuester-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome is characterized by agenesis of the uterus and upper part of the vagina in females with normal ovarian function. Although heavily studied, the cause of the disease is still enigmatic. Current research in the field of MRKH mainly focusses on DNA-sequencing efforts and, so far, failed to decipher the nature and heterogeneity of the disease, thereby holding back scientific and clinical progress. Here, we developed long-term expandable organoid cultures from endometrium found in uterine rudiment horns of MRKH patients. Phenotypically, they share great similarity with healthy control organoids and are surprisingly fully hormone responsive. Transcriptome analyses, however, identified an array of dysregulated genes that point at potentially disease-causing pathways altered during the development of the female reproductive tract. We consider the endometrial organoid cultures to be a powerful research tool that promise to enable an array of studies into the pathogenic origins of MRKH syndrome and possible treatment opportunities to improve patient quality of life.

scholarly journals Single Cell atlas of uterine myometrium and leiomyomas reveals diverse and novel cell types of non-monoclonal origin

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jyoti Goad ◽  
Joshua Rudolph ◽  
Jian-Jun Wei ◽  
Serdar E Bulun ◽  
Debabrata Chakravarti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Single Cell ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Lymphatic Endothelial Cell ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Uterine Leiomyomas ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Cellular Heterogeneity ◽  
Excessive Bleeding ◽  
Matrix Accumulation ◽  
Insight Into

AbstractUterine leiomyomas are the most common tumors of the female reproductive tract with significant morbidity that includes excessive bleeding, infertility and pregnancy complications. The origin and cellular composition of leiomyomas is controversial, yet very important in better understanding the pathogenesis of these tumors. We applied single-cell RNA sequencing to better understand cellular heterogeneity of uterine leiomyomas and normal myometrium at the molecular level. Our data reveal previously unknown heterogeneity in the smooth muscle cells, fibroblast cells, and endothelial cells of normal myometrium and leiomyomas. We discovered a novel lymphatic endothelial cell population in uterine leiomyomas and that the immune as well as transcriptional profile of leiomyomas is MED12 genotype-dependent. Moreover, we show that leiomyoma cell moiety is not monoclonal in nature. Our work describes unprecedented single cell resolution of normal uterine myometrium and leiomyoma tumors and provides insight into tumor specific hormone responsiveness and extracellular matrix accumulation.

Role of new and current methods in semen technology for genetic resource conservation

2004 ◽  
Vol 30 ◽  
pp. 191-205
Author(s):  
W.V. Holt ◽  
P.F. Watson
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Genetic Resource ◽  
Resource Conservation ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Practical Implementation ◽  
New Information ◽  
Frozen Semen ◽  
Genetic Resource Conservation

AbstractThe establishment of repositories of frozen semen, for the conservation of agricultural genetic resources, is not a simple matter of collecting and freezing semen in the hope that one day it will be suitable for use in an artificial insemination procedure. Important genetic issues need to be considered; for example, how many samples should be stored and from how many individuals? Aside from these, many biological and logistic issues must be considered. Cryopreservation technology does not work equally well in all species, often because of anatomical differences in the female reproductive tract leading to significant variability in the number of spermatozoa needed in order to achieve an acceptable conception rate. Moreover, spermatozoa from different species are not equally susceptible to cryoinjury. However, it is also emerging that semen samples from individuals within a species are also of different quality; several studies have revealed that these differences reflect the quality of DNA within the spermatozoon itself and also the efficacy of biochemical functions, including metabolic and signalling systems, within individual cells. As new possibilities to select spermatozoa for insemination arise, especially the use of flowsorting for gender selection, these issues may become more significant. In this article we interpret the way in which some of this new information may impact upon the practical implementation of genetic resource conservation.

scholarly journals Spiral Vibration Cooler for Continual Cooling of Biomass Pellets

Processes ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 1060
Author(s):  
David Žurovec ◽  
Lucie Jezerská ◽  
Jan Nečas ◽  
Jakub Hlosta ◽  
Jan Diviš ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cooling System ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Air Flow ◽  
Important Process ◽  
Cooling Process ◽  
Cooling Systems ◽  
Technical Problems ◽  
Insight Into ◽  
Vibrating Feeder

Cooling is an important process during the production of pellets (as post-treatment). The pellet cooling process significantly impacts the quality of the pellets produced and the systematic use of energy. However, the cooling systems currently in use sometimes encounter technical problems, such as clogging of the perforated grids (sieves), the discharge hopper, or pellet degradation may occur. Therefore, a prototype of a new pellet cooling system using a vibrating feeder was tested. The aim of the study is to present a new variation of pellet cooling system using spiral vibration cooler as a possible solution next to a counterflow cooler. The presented system was tested (critically evaluated and discussed) in two design variants. The first variant consists in cooling by chaotic movement of the pellets. The second is then in combination with the chaotic movement of the pellets together with the action of intense air flow using specially placed air hoses. All tests involved pelletization of rapeseed straw. It was found that both cooling system variants could, realistically, be used. However, the variant with an intense air flow was more energy-intensive, a factor which is, however, offset by the higher quality of the pellets. No negative impact of vibrations to pellets quality was occur. Studies provide insight into new usable technologies that do not reduce the efficiency of the process as a result of grate clogging.

scholarly journals Design at the root of biophilia. Imitation. Nature.

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 047-058
Author(s):  
Marcin Marciniak ◽  
Dżoana Latała-Matysiak
Keyword(s):  
Negative Impact ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Positive Influence ◽  
Local Communities ◽  
Existing Buildings ◽  
Current State ◽  
State Of Research ◽  
Mental Well Being ◽  
Structural Solutions

According to the current state of research on the phenomenon of biophilia, the positive influence of nature's elements on humans has long been widely understood. Since the negative impact of urbanised areas on quality of life was noticed, human-friendly architecture has been redefined, where the physical and mental well-being of people using buildings, remains highly dependent on their contact with the environment. Selected examples of existing buildings analyzed two different approaches to contemporary biophilic architecture; one where nature is the pedestal of the whole building and one where the interpretation of nature translates into technological, engineering or structural solutions. The architectural examples modelled on nature, have gained recognition in local communities and worldwide renown, so it can be concluded that the flourishing of organic and bionic architecture is fully justified. Biophilia determines human well-being, while remaining closely related to the natural environment.

scholarly journals Microbiome & Endometriosis

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (05) ◽  
pp. 12-27
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Cervix Uterus ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Pelvic Cavity ◽  
Fallopian Tubes ◽  
Malignant Tumours ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Biochemically Active Compounds ◽  
Impaired Quality

Endometriosis is a chronic disease of the female reproductive system, which is characterised by the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterus especially in the pelvic cavity that includes ovaries, fallopian tubes and it may occur extra genitally in some rare cases. 176 million women all over the world including 26 million in India suffer from endometriosis and high frequency was observed between the age group of 26-30 years, resulting in increased primary infertility. Various studies surveying the female reproductive tract have confirmed the existence of microbiota starting in the vagina, cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries. These microbes play a crucial role at different stages ofthe reproduction, in forming a physical barrier against pathogen and the stimulation of host defence mechanisms. Direct and indirect mechanisms are observed including the production of biochemically active compounds that directly kill or inhibit pathogens. Women suffering from endometriosis lead an impaired quality of life and continue to deal with endometriosis-associated symptoms even after diagnosis and treatment of the disease. In endometriosis condition, adhesions are observed in the fallopian tubes and ovaries that block tubal motility and damage the oocyte-pickup. Progesterone resistance is familiar in endometriosis which changes the implantation window period causing the loss of implantation markers and finally leading to infertility. Malignant tumours of ovaries have also been identified and known to arise from endometriosis. Microbiome can be used as a novel diagnostic tool for endometriosis as there is a variation observed in the composition and distribution along the female reproductive tract of healthy women and endometriosis patients. A non-invasive diagnosis is achieved through this, aiming at early diagnosis and alternative treatment for endometriosis.

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