Transcriptome characterization of male accessory glands in ants to identify molecules involved in their reproductive success

In insects, seminal fluid proteins that are produced by male accessory glands and transferred to females during mating have key functions in sperm competition and sperm physiology that lead to male reproductive success. In ants, male reproductive success also depends on the longevity of sperm stored in the queen's spermatheca because their sexual offspring are usually produced only after a prolonged storage period. We identified genes that were up-regulated in the male accessory glands relative to the bodies of Crematogaster osakensis to characterize the reproductive molecules associated with male reproductive success in ants. We found novel genes that had no hits in a homology search and that were predominantly expressed in the accessory glands. These reproductive proteins may have evolved under rapid positive selection for reproductive success in the species. Furthermore, we discovered that three spermatheca-specific genes of C. osakensis queens were also enriched in the accessory glands relative to the bodies of males. These genes may be important for maintaining the sperm quality continuously from ejaculation by males to prolonged storage by queens. This research provides crucial information about the molecular mechanisms of sperm maintenance and sexual selection in ants, and also insight into the evolution of reproductive strategies in insects.

Effects of the ether oxygen atom in alkyl side chains on the physical properties of piperidinium ionic liquids

Various types of piperidinium ionic liquids equipped with an oxygen atom-containing alkyl side chain on the positively charged nitrogen atom were systematically synthesized and their physical properties investigated.

The relationship between jaw-opening force and the cross-sectional area of the suprahyoid muscles in healthy elderly

We conducted a clinical cross-sectional study to examine the relationship between jaw-opening force and the cross-sectional area of the suprahyoid muscles and whole skeletal muscle mass. Subjects were healthy 39 males and 51 females without dysphagia and sarcopenia, aged 65 years and older. Jaw-opening force was measured three times using a jaw-opening sthenometer; the maximum of these three was taken as the measurement value. The cross-sectional area of the geniohyoid and anterior belly of the digastric muscles were evaluated using ultrasonography. The skeletal muscle mass index, gait speed and grip strength were evaluated according to the diagnostic criteria of the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia. For each sex, a multiple regression analysis determined the factors that affect jaw-opening force. Jaw-opening force was associated with the cross-sectional area of the geniohyoid muscle in males (regression coefficient [β] = 0.441, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 14.28-56.09) and females (β = 0.28, 95% CI = 3.10-54.57). Furthermore, in females only, jaw-opening force was associated with the skeletal muscle mass index (β = 0.40, 95% CI = 3.67-17.81). In contrast, jaw-opening force was not associated with the cross-sectional area of the anterior belly of the digastric muscle in either sex. In healthy elderly males and females, jaw-opening force was positively associated with the cross-sectional area of the geniohyoid muscle. However, the jaw-opening force was positively associated with the skeletal muscle mass index only in females.

The malaris muscle: its morphological significance for sustaining the intraorbital structures

The orbicularis oculi muscle, an important mimetic muscle, was investigated to ascertain its anatomical relation to facial aging-especially its orbital part (Oo). Previous studies of the distinct muscle bundles frequently found inferior to the Oo have provided various definitions, including that of the malaris muscle. This study aimed to examine these muscle bundles and clarify their function in facial aging. Twelve heads of Japanese cadavers (average age: 82.5 years old) were dissected to observe the muscles, focusing in particular on those in the periorbital region. Six specimens were further dissected from the inner surfaces to examine the patterns of facial nerve branches under the operating microscope. Histological examinations of two head halves were carried out to investigate the relationship between the muscle bundles and the intraorbital structures. Muscle bundles consisting of lateral, medial, and U-shaped suspending bundles were observed in the region inferior to the Oo. Lateral and suspending bundles were found in all specimens, while the medial bundles were noted in only 9 of 22 specimens. Some branches of the facial nerve penetrated through the lateral, medial, and suspending bundles. The relationship between the suspending bundles and the protruding orbital fat was assessed. The muscle bundles found in this study were regarded as the malaris muscle-a transitional muscle between the superficial and deep facial layers. The suspending bundle may play a role in sustaining the intraorbital structures.

Diagnosis of inguinal hernia by prone- vs. supine-position computed tomography

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of prone-position computed tomography (CT) for detecting and classifying inguinal hernia relative to supine-position CT before laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair.

METHODS

Seventy-nine patients who underwent laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal repair of inguinal hernia were enrolled in this prospective study. Patients diagnosed with inguinal hernia by physical examination underwent abdominal CT in the supine and prone positions for preoperative assessment. The anatomy of the right and left inguinal regions was confirmed during the surgery and compared with the preoperative CT findings.

RESULTS

The 79 cases included 87 operated lesions and 71 non-operated contralateral inguinal sites. Of the 84 clinical hernias, inguinal hernia was detected significantly more frequently on prone-position CT images (84, 100%) than on supine-position CT images (55, 65.5%). In addition, the inguinal hernia type was determined with significantly greater accuracy on prone-position CT images (96.4%) than on supine-position CT images (58.3%). Twenty-two occult hernias were detected by laparoscopy. The detection rate and accuracy for determining the type of occult hernia were significantly greater when using prone-position CT images [19 of 22 lesions (86.4%) and 77.3%, respectively] than when using supine-position CT images [8 of 22 lesions (36.4%) and 27.3%, respectively].

CONCLUSIONS

Prone-position CT is adequate for detecting and classifying inguinal hernia and for evaluating occult hernia.