Reproductive Biology

Sex is different: a just- get- it- done policy won’t get it done. In humans
and most other animals, extensive courtship rituals precede the sex act.
Most of our sexual rituals are laden with accessories, including candles
and music, poems and flowers, and even special wardrobes. The list goes
on, but it is no less diverse for animals. Animals sing and dance, they
perfume themselves, they show off their colors and even light themselves
up, all in the hope of attracting a mate. Although we distinguish
ourselves in the language and technology we deploy in courtship, all
animals have evolved spectacular, even obscene, morphologies and behaviors
as both sexual lures and strategies for consummation. The colors
of butterflies and fishes, the songs of insects and birds, the sexual odors
of moths and mammals all evolved in the service of sex. The same is true
for many of the traits in our own species that make women sigh and
men gasp when someone of striking beauty crosses their paths. These
aspects of sexual beauty evolved not because they make their bearers
live longer but because they enable them to mate more and thus pass on
more offspring and genes to the next generation.

Sexual beauty is everywhere, woven through the fabric of all sexually
reproducing animals. We humans strive for beauty; we pay for it;
we judge whether others have it; and if they do, we treat them better.
Animals and humans both go to extreme lengths to appear beautiful
to those who judge them. Peacocks evolve magnificent tails that cause
peahens to sway, fishes sport bright colors that catch the eye of the other
sex, crickets chirp endearingly to their mates, and spiders dance and
vibrate their webs to show off. We humans take a more active role in
engineering our beauty than do most other animals. Perfumes, fashion,
cars, and music have all been employed in the service of sexual beauty,
as have the surgeon’s knife and a pharmacopeia of drugs. But to enhance
one’s beauty, either through the painstakingly slow process of evolution
or the more immediate gratification of beauty- engineering, one must
have some notion of what is beautiful.

This book is about sexual beauty, where it comes from and what it
is for. Of course, many have been inspired to write in appreciation of
natural beauty and the enchanting mating behaviors that occur in wild
animals. Their emphasis is usually on the details of beautiful male traits:
How does having such a long tail benefit the peacock? How many
carotenoids does the male guppy need to eat to be so brilliantly orange?
How many syllables can a songbird pack into his complex vocal repertoire
to make him even more sexy to females? These are interesting
questions, but they represent only one- half of the equation of sexual
beauty, because they ignore what is going on inside the head of those
who actually judge beauty. Such studies often assume that the female
brain must evolve tools to figure out what is beautiful. But instead, the
converse is often true. The brain has a long evolutionary history that
biases how it assesses the entire world around it, not just the world of
sex; and it functions within the framework of numerous neurobiological
and computational constraints. I argue that instead of the brain having
to evolve to detect beauty, the brain determines what is beautiful, and all
of its constraints and contingencies give rise to a breathtaking diversity
of sexual aesthetics throughout the animal kingdom. In this book, I
will show that to understand what beauty is, we need to understand the
brain that perceives it.

A book to be read in its context in Anglo-American neuroscience. For a
critique of this discipline, see on this same website, "Diferencias entre
neurociencias anglófonas y neurobiología" (in Spanish).

Contents
Preface ix

Chapter One
Why All the Fuss about Sex? 1

Chapter Two
Why All the Whining and Chucking? 13

Chapter Three
Beauty and the Brain 33

Chapter Four
Visions of Beauty 53

Chapter Five
The Sounds of Sex 77

Chapter Six
The Aroma of Adulation 105

Chapter Seven
Fickle Preferences 126

Chapter Eight
Hidden Preferences and Life in Pornotopia 148

Epilogue 169

Notes 171
Bibliography 177
Index 187

In this paper, the successful keeping and breeding of Orlov's Treefrog, Rhacophorus orloviZiegler & Köhler, 2001, is described for the first time. Breeding took place at low temperatures of 19°-24° C, based on two couples from northern Vietnam. The species turned out to have a noticeably rapid development. Slightly more than two weeks after foam nest building, larvae developed hindlimbs,

Myo-inositol (MI) and D-chiro-inositol (DCI) are insulin second messengers, and MI is involved in follicular gonadotropin pathways which orchestrate ovulation. The tissue-specific MI/DCI ratio is modulated by insulin through aromatase and is altered in insulin resistance (IR), with reduced epimerization of MI to DCI in insulin-sensitive tissues. In ovaries, the MI/DCI ratio is 100:1, but is dramatically reduced by insulin-stimulated epimerase in hyperinsulinemic women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Inositols have proved to be effective in PCOS, improving metabolic and hormonal state, and restoring spontaneous ovulation. In assisted reproductive technology, inositol improved ovarian stimulation parameters, although data concerning fertility outcomes are conflicting. Given their functions, inositols are an attractive treatment option for PCOS, although well-designed studies on spontaneous and non-spontaneous fertility are needed.

Most geographers have sided with 'cyborgs' (technonatural subjects) against 'goddesses' (e.g. Mother Earth) on questions of embodiment. In itself this provides no justification for the relative dearth (in geography) of theorizing 'with' the uterus as a site of doing and undoing; what I propose to call uterine geography. 'Uterine' relations are fundamentally cyborg, animatedly labouring and not only spatial but spatializing: they make and unmake places, borders, kin. This includes not only abortion, miscarriage, menstruation and pregnancy (whose transcorporeal and chimeric character is well documented in medical anthropology) but also other life-enabling forms of holding and letting go that do not involve anatomical uteri (such as trans-mothering and other alter-familial practices). Despite our discipline's ostensible interest in co-production, hybridity and the more-than-human, the 'doing' aspects of intra and interuterine processes have tended to be black-boxed in accounts of care economies and social reproduction. The proposed remedy is deromanticization: an approach that critically politicizes uterine relations as historically contingent and subject to amelioration through struggle. Potential aides include Maggie Nelson's idea that 'labor does you', Suzanne Sadedin's account of gestation's mutual hostility and the concepts of 'sym-poiesis' and 'metramorphosis'. One notable consequence of this expanded concept of the uterine is that 'assisted reproduction', as it is characterized today, ceases to be categorically separate from other kinds of reproduction.

Analyses of the dimensions and morphology of spermatozoa can be useful in the identification of mammalian species. We compared and contrasted sperm morphology and dimensions in 9 genera and 18 species of the family Cricetidae. Spermatozoa were obtained from the cauda epididymes of animals previously fixed in 10% formalin, and stained with Giemsa or silver-nitrate staining methods. At least 50 spermatozoa from different specimens were examined for each species. Discriminant function analysis was used to distinguish between the spermatozoa of different species and to identify the best discriminating characteristics. MANOVA revealed that differences between species were significant. Species in the same genus tended to group together. Qualitative characteristics that discriminate between species are discussed.

El análisis de las dimensiones y la morfología de los espermatozoides puede ser útil en la identificación de especies de mamíferos. La morfología y dimensiones de espermatozoides (largo y ancho de la cabeza, longitud de la pieza intermedia, pieza principal con la pieza final y longitud total) de 9 géneros y 18 especies de cricétidos fueron comparados y contrastados. Los mismos se obtuvieron de la cola del epidídimo de animales previamente fijados en formalina al 10%, y fueron teñidos con Giemsa o con nitrato de plata. Al menos 50 espermatozoides (de diferentes especímenes) por especie fueron estudiados. El análisis de la función discriminante se utilizó para distinguir entre los espermatozoides de las diferentes especies e identificar las mejores características discriminantes. Una prueba de MANOVA reveló que las diferencias entre especies son altamente significativas. Las especies del mismo género tienden a agruparse juntas. También se discuten las características cualitativas que ayudaron a discriminar entre especies.

The rock oyster Crassostrea iridescens is an important fishery of the Michoacan  coast, and with excellent potential for aquaculture. The purpose  of this document is to analyze its reproductive characteristics. In this sense, commercial  fishing samplings were carried  in the harbor  of Lazaro  Cardenas  and Zapote de Huahua, from February  to December the 2010. In this study 1 444 organisms were obtained,  from 5 cm to 17.6 cm total length and weight from 50 g to 866 g. Analysis of gonadal  development was made through histological  cuts of 100 shucked  individuals  who were fixed in 10% formalin  solution  and  treated by hematoxylin  and  eosin staining  technique.  Among  the  sampled  oysters 31% males, 24% females,  43% undifferentiated and 2% of hermaphrodite individuals were found. The sex ratio was m:h = 1.3:1. The his- tological analyses showed five stages of gonadal development gametogenesis  from May and June, maturity occurs in August, spawning from August to September, postspawning from September to December and resting stages from February  to June and December. C. iridescens presented a period  of gametes release from August to December, although there is a reproductive peak in September and October, therefore the voluntary established  ban from the 1st  of June to August 31 is moved or out of phase.
Key words: Crassostrea iridescens, reproduction, histology, gonadal cycle.

The rock oyster Crassostrea iridescens is an important fishery of the Michoacan  coast, and with excellent potential for aquaculture. The purpose  of this document is to analyze its reproductive characteristics. In this sense, commercial  fishing samplings were carried  in the harbor  of Lazaro  Cardenas  and Zapote de Huahua, from February  to December the 2010. In this study 1 444 organisms were obtained,  from 5 cm to
17.6 cm total length and weight from 50 g to 866 g. Analysis of gonadal  development was made through histological  cuts of 100 shucked  individuals  who were fixed in 10% formalin  solution  and  treated by hematoxylin  and  eosin staining  technique.  Among  the  sampled  oysters 31% males, 24% females,  43% undifferentiated and 2% of hermaphrodite individuals were found. The sex ratio was m:h = 1.3:1. The his- tological analyses showed five stages of gonadal development gametogenesis  from May and June, maturity occurs in August, spawning from August to September, postspawning from September to December and resting stages from February  to June and December. C. iridescens presented a period  of gametes release from August to December, although there is a reproductive peak in September and October, therefore the voluntary established  ban from the 1st  of June to August 31 is moved or out of phase.
Key words: Crassostrea iridescens, reproduction, histology, gonadal cycle.

ULTRASONOGRAPHIC EVALUATION OF OVULATION STIGMA AND PROGNOSIS OF GROWTH OUTCOMES OF THE DOMINANT FOLLICLE.
O.V. Bulavenko, V.V.Doschechkyn
Abstract
Study objective: To study the relationship of ultrasonographic changes in the walls of the dominant follicle with the outcomes of its growth – ovulation or persistence.
Study design: Prospective cross-sectional study. Patients, Methods, Settings: Upon results of sonographic one cycle pre-assessment, 96 women from subfertile couples were distributed into two groups. Main group – 78 women with documented ovulation. Comparison group consisted of eighteen women with various clinical forms of follicle persistence. Ovulation stigma identification was performed by transvaginal ultrasonography using the technique of Mobile Hydroacoustic Window (TVS+MHAW) with standard 6–10 MHz probes. Three sources of fluid were used for the building of mobile hydroacoustic window: antral fluid, contents of ovulation stigma and the fluid located close to ovary apex. Subtle structures of follicle walls were assessed at the interface of liquid and dense medium in the area of ovary apex.
Results, Discussion: In 52 cases (66.6%) two main types of ovulation stigma – Large Bleb-type and Small Flat-type were identified, in 48 (61.5%) and 4 (5.1%) cases, accordingly. In the rest of 26 (33.3%) ovulating women it was not possible to identify the stigma sonographically. In 18 (18.8%) cases anovulatory cycles were presented: LUF in 10 (10.4%) cases, follicular regression in 6 (6.3%) and hemorrhagic cysts developed in two cases (2.1%). Local thinning of follicular walls in the area of stigma (91%), appearance of small amount of fluid near the ovary apex (93.6%) and elongated or cone-like shape of the pre-ovulatory follicle (59%) were the most prevalent sonographic signs of stigma formation. Stages of sonographic changes of the structure of forming ovulation stigma were detected and described. New sonographic sign of ovulation stigma, – the phenomenon of Constriction Ring (30.8%), characterizing the closing stage of stigma formation was described. Mean growth and regression rates were calculated for dominant follicles. The increase of dominant follicle size beyond 28.5 mm is connected to high risk of its anovulation or persistence. It should also be taken into account that ovulation can occur at any stage of stigma formation, also without its sonographic appearance.
Conclusion: The study of phenotypic features of stigma formation by means of TVS + MHAW can be useful for timing of OPU in IVF natural cycles and prediction of high risk of follicle persistence/regression at intrauterine insemination

Objective: To study association the various sonographic phenotypes of funnel of fallopian tubes with minimal endometriosis, STDs, and pelvic surgery in the medical records of women from couples with unexplained infertility
What is known already? The transvaginal sonography performed in the non-contrast mobile hydro-acoustic window technique allows systematic identify various segments of fallopian tubes in 32.3% of subfertile women. The sensitivity of TVS + MHAW technique was 0.76 versus 0.14 for routine TVS (V.V. Doshchechkyn, 2016).
Patients, Methods, Settings: Sonographic characteristics of fallopian tubes were studied in the main group of 96 women from the couples with unexplained infertility. The comparison group consisted of 31 women from childless couples with male factor of infertility. The investigation by the TVS+MHAW technique was performed with the high resolution 6.0 - 10.0 MHz standard vaginal transducers. The tubal patency was confirmed in all women by the laparoscopic chromo-perfusion. The study was carried out between March 02, 2015 and December 23, 2016 at Remedi Center for Reproductive Medicine, Odessa.
Design: prospective cross-sectional study
Results and Discussion: various segments of fallopian tubes were identified by TVS + MHAW in 32 (33.3%) of 96 women of study group and 12 (38.7%) women of comparison group. By results of sonographic identification of fimbriae, the following four phenotypic subgroups of uterine tubes’ funnels were characterized: finger-like, mastoid-like, fimbriated and combined. These phenotypes were found in study group in 19 (59.4 %), 7 (21.9 %), 4 (12.5 %) and 2 (6.3 %) cases versus comparison group - in 58.3 %, 8.3 %, 16.7 %, 16.7 % respectively. Thus, mastoid-like funnel phenotype was found more often in the main group. The association of mastoid-like phenotypes with STDs (85.7 %), minimal endometriosis (85.7 %) and pelvic surgery (71.4 %) also was more often observed in the study group than comparison group.
What is new? For the first time, four main phenotypes of uterine tubes’ funnels were described sonographically. Also, the two sonographic types of uterine tubes’ fimbriae – the big ones or Primary, and those normally fringing them in great number as proliferated mucosa – the small ones or Secondary were classified.
Conclusion: The origin of mastoid-like phenotype of fimbriae is not definitively clear, despite the revealed association of this phenotype with the previously mentioned conditions. The TVS+MHAW is simple and affordable, it does not require additional tools and contrast, however demands certain skills from the examiner. TVS+MHAW allows to do systematic evaluation of the function of distal fallopian tubes as well as make the choice between laparoscopy and intrauterine insemination in the optimal work-up of a couple with unexplained infertility.

Reproductive patterns were studied in closely related coral species of the genus Madracis on Curaçao, Netherlands Antilles. Gonadal development of six sympatric species was examined over a 13-month period. Reproductive differences among Madracis species are small. All species are hermaphroditic brooders and show similar patterns in gamete development. Timing of gamete maturation is positively correlated with seawater temperature in all

Context: Heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) is common and incapacitating. Aberrant menstrual endometrial repair may result in HMB. The transforming growth factor (TGF)-b superfamily contributes to tissue repair, but its role in HMB is unknown. Objective: We hypothesized that TGF-b1 is important for endometrial repair, and women with HMB have aberrant TGF-b1 activity at menses. Participants/Setting: Endometrial biopsies were collected from women, and menstrual blood loss objectively measured [HMB .80 mL/cycle; normal menstrual bleeding (NMB) ,80 mL]. Design: Immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction examined endometrial TGF-b1 ligand, receptors, and downstream SMADs in women with NMB and HMB. The function and regulation of TGF-b1 were examined using cell culture. Results: TGFB1 mRNA was maximal immediately prior to menses, but no differences detected between women with NMB and HMB at any cycle stage. Histoscoring of TGFB1 revealed reduced staining in the stroma during menses in women with HMB (P , 0.05). There were no significant differences in TGFBR1/2 or TGFBR1/2 immunostaining. Cortisol increased activation of TGFB1 in the supernatant of human endometrial stromal cells (HES; P , 0.05) via thrombospondin-1. Endometrial SMAD2 and SMAD3 were lower in women with HMB during menstruation (P , 0.05), and decreased phosphorylated SMAD2/3 immunostaining was seen in glandular epithelial cells during the late secretory phase (P , 0.05). Wound scratch assays revealed increased repair in HES cells treated with TGF-b1 versus control (P , 0.05). Conclusions: Women with HMB had decreased TGF-b1 and SMADs perimenstrually. Cortisol activated latent TGF-b1 to enhance endometrial stromal cell repair. Decreased TGF-b1 activity may hinder repair of the denuded menstrual endometrium, resulting in HMB. (J Clin Endocrinol Metab 102: 1299–1308, 2017)

• Introduction • Methods • Results The TGF-β signalling pathway TGF-β expression in women with peritoneal endometriosis A role for TGF-β1 in the pathophysiology of peritoneal endometriosis TGF-β1 regulation of ectopic endometrial and peritoneal mesothelial cell metabolism The clinical significance for TGF-β1 in peritoneal endometriosis TGF-β polymorphisms in women with endometriosis • Summary BACKGROUND: Endometriosis is estimated to affect 6–10% of women of reproductive age and it is associated with chronic pelvic pain, dysmenorrhoea and subfertility. It is currently managed surgically or medically but symptoms recur in up to 75% of cases and available medical treatments have undesirable side effects. Endometriosis is defined as the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterus with lesions typically found on the peritoneum. The aetiology of endometriosis is uncertain but there is increasing evidence that transforming growth factor (TGF)-β plays a major role. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE: A descriptive review was undertaken of the published literature on the expression pattern of TGF-β ligands and signalling molecules in women with and without endometriosis, and on the potential roles of TGF-β signalling in the development and progression of peritoneal endometriosis. The current understanding of the TGF-β signalling pathway is summarized. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Pubmed database using the terms 'transforming growth factor beta' and 'endometriosis' for studies published between 1995 and 2016. The initial search identified 99 studies and these were used as the basic material for this review. We also extended our remit for important older publications. In addition, we searched the reference lists of studies used in this review for additional studies we judged as relevant. Studies which were included in the review focused on peritoneal endometriosis only as increasing evidence suggests that ovarian and deep endometriosis may have a differing pathophysiology. Thus, a final 95 studies were included in the review. OUTCOMES: TGF-β1 is reported to be increased in the peritoneal fluid, serum, ectopic endometrium and peritoneum of women with endometriosis compared to women without endometriosis, and TGF-β1-null mice have reduced endometriosis lesion growth when compared to their wild-type controls. Studies in mice and women have indicated that increasing levels of TGF-β ligands are associated with decreased immune cell activity within the peritoneum, together with an increase in ectopic endometrial cell survival, attachment, invasion and proliferation, during endometriosis lesion development. TGF-β1 has been associated with changes in ectopic endometrial and periton-eal cell metabolism and the initiation of neoangiogenesis, further fuelling endometriosis lesion development. WIDER IMPLICATIONS: Together these studies suggest that TGF-β1 plays a major role in the development of peritoneal endometri-osis lesions and that targeting this pathway may be of therapeutic potential.