Genital Research Articles

Vulvar lichen sclerosus in girls and adult females: A single-center retrospective study of 744 patients in China.

Vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS) is a chronic, inflammatory disease which is accompanied by itching and pain, affecting the patient's daily life and sexual activity. However, the disease characteristics of children and adults are not completely the same. Currently, there are few studies in China that compare the characteristics of VLS between girls and adult female patients. The aim of this study was to compare the epidemiology, clinical features, and combined autoimmune diseases of VLS patients between girls and adult females, and to help clinicians better understand VLS in different age groups. We enrolled 744 female patients for analysis, divided by age into a child group (<18 years) and an adult group (≥18 years). Among girl patients, 94.6% had preadolescent onset, while among adult female patients, only 4.6% had preadolescent onset, which was a statistically significant difference. The highest percentage of adult female patients had onset during their child-bearing period (75.4%), while 20% had postmenopausal onset, with a significant difference when the three onset states were compared. White patches were equally common in both girl and adult female patients' external genital area, while mossy lesions and labia minora atrophy were more common in adult female patients. Involvement of the clitoris, labia minora, and vaginal opening area were more common in adult patients. The perianal area was more commonly involved in girl patients. We found eight cases (1.2%) of secondary squamous cell carcinoma in adult female patients. We also found that 13 patients had concurrent lichen sclerosus lesions on the vulva and extragenital region, including two girls and 11 adult females. Extragenital lichen sclerosus (EGLS) occurred mostly in the torso. Clinicians should be aware of these differences so that early diagnosis and treatment of the disease can be achieved, to avoid irreversible anatomical alterations and the risk of cancer.

New Combination in the Genus Parvacinocoris (Heteroptera: Largidae), with Description of the Male of P. podalicus (Brailovsky)

The species Acinocoris podalicus Brailovsky is transferred to the genus Parvacinocoris Melo and Dellapé, P. podalicus, new combination. Illustrations of the general morphology and male genitalia, a description of the male, and a key to the species of Parvacinocoris are given as well.

Fournier’s Gangrene Arising from Chronic Ischial Pressure Sore in a Paraplegic Patient: A Case Report

Fournier’s gangrene (FG) is a rare but life-threatening bacterial infection affecting the genital and perianal areas, often associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Although pressure sores, injuries caused by prolonged pressure on the skin, are considered a risk factor for FG, they are rarely the direct cause of the condition. This case report presents a 65-year-old male with paraplegia and a chronic ischial pressure sore who presented with FG. The patient was treated with prompt surgical debridement and antibiotic therapy, followed by wound reconstruction using a local advancement flap. This enabled a successful outcome, with no further wound issues observed for 6 months. Early diagnosis, imaging modalities, prompt surgical intervention, and appropriate antibiotic therapy are essential for the successful management of FG. This case emphasizes the importance of recognizing the possibility of FG arising from pressure sores and highlights the critical role of early surgical intervention.

Taxonomic review of the Rhagonycha flava species group (Coleoptera, Cantharidae), with descriptions of fourteen new species from China

The species of Rhagonycha Eschscholtz, 1830 with yellowish elytra from the Oriental Region are reviewed and defined as Rh. flava species group. Fourteen new species are described, including Rh. nigricolor sp. nov. and Rh. trimacula sp. nov. (China, Sichuan), Rh. falcata sp. nov., Rh. tibetanimima sp. nov., Rh. similis sp. nov., Rh. maculaticeps sp. nov., Rh. curtiapicis sp. nov., Rh. acutiapicis sp. nov., Rh. ocula sp. nov. and Rh. weixiensis sp. nov. (China, Yunnan), Rh. longicornis sp. nov. and Rh. zayuensis sp. nov. (China, Xizang), Rh. flavimima sp. nov. (China, Hubei), and Rh. guizhouensis sp. nov. (China, Guizhou). The new species are illustrated, and figures of their habitus, aedeagi, abdominal sternites VIII and internal genitalia of females are provided. Ten previously known species are supplementarily described, and illustrations of their habitus and female reproductive systems are provided for the first time: Rh. albolimbata Pic, 1926, Rh. bimucronata Švihla, 2005, Rh. flava (Pic, 1926), Rh. furcatiformis Wittmer, 1997, Rh. hubeiana Wittmer, 1997, Rh. limbatella Wittmer, 1997, Rh. spinosa Wittmer, 1997, Rh. tibetana Švihla, 2002, Rh. weichowensis Wittmer, 1997, and Rh. yunnana Wittmer, 1997. Besides, the habitus photos of the following species are provided with for the first time: Rh. furcata Wittmer, 1997, Rh. testaceopallipa Wittmer, 1997, Rh. tryznai Švihla, 2002, Rh. albidipennis Pic, 1923, Rh. bomdiensis Wittmer, 1989, Rh. disconigra (Pic, 1907), Rh. manipurensis Wittmer, 1989 and Rh. meghalayana Wittmer, 1989. Additionally, distribution maps are presented for the similar species either in the appearances or aedeagi. Now the Rh. flava species group includes a total of 39 species, for which an identification key and a checklist of the Rh. flava species group are provided, respectively.

Penoscrotal elephantiasis after treatment of prostate cancer: A case report

Penoscrotal elephantiasis (EPS) is a terminal state of lymphoedema defined by a progressive histopathological state characterized by chronic inflammatory fibromatosis of the subdermal and dermal connective tissue caused by lymphatic and venous stasis. Its clinical appearance is typical of an increase, sometimes considerable, in the volume of the external genital organs, which can lead to an unaesthetic appearance, a sexual impact, and psychological distress. The etiology can be primary or secondary to a parasitic disease (filariasis) or intrinsic or extrinsic lymphatic obstruction. Genital lymphedema may affect after cancer treatment and prostate cancer ranks as the second most prevalent cancer in men, making it crucial to consider any complications that may occur following its treatment. We present a case of one patient, a 74-year-old man from Morocco, who underwent surgery two years ago for radical prostatectomy supplemented by radiotherapy and hormone therapy. The evolution was marked by an increase in scrotal size, with sexual and psychic prejudice. The Clinical examination revealed penoscrotal elephantiasis respecting the glans penis and both lower limbs. The diagnostic is clinical and etiological research requires specific complementary examinations, depending on the circumstances. Probably for this case, the penoscrotal elephantiasis was secondary to radical prostatectomy and/or post-radiotherapy.The patient was scheduled for surgical treatment involving en bloc resection of the elephantiasis scrotum, and immediate reconstruction after completely freeing the two testicles. The affected penile skin was also resected and replaced with a skin graft. The aesthetic and functional outcome was good with a follow-up of 7 months.

Discovery of the genus Dishkeya (Lepidoptera: Tischeriidae) in Honduras: unveiling the unique traits of D. gouaniae

This publication records the endemic genus Dishkeya Stonis in Honduras and, for the first time, documents the female genitalia and leaf mines of D. gouaniae (Stonis &amp; Diškus). Additionally, it provides the first barcodes and molecular considerations regarding the genus Dishkeya. The article is illustrated with 34 figures, including photographs of male and female genitalia, leaf mines, exuviae, and a molecular tree based on mtDNA COI sequences.

Association between vulvar lichen sclerosus and celiac disease in woman.

Vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS) is a chronic inflammatory condition involving mainly the genital area with an undetermined aetiology. Recent studies show that in up to 34% of cases in adult women, VLS coexists with allergies or autoimmune diseases like celiac disease (CD), among others. However, literature data relating strictly to the co-occurrence of celiac disease and Duhring's disease (DH) in patients with VLS are very limited. In our study, we sought to clarify the possible relationship between vulvar lichen sclerosus in adult women and celiac disease in its cutaneous form. The aim of the study was to demonstrate the presence of celiac disease-specific antibodies in women with VLS. The control group consisted of 41 healthy women, and the study group consisted of 50 women aged 24-83 years with diagnosed vulvar lichen sclerosus who were hospitalized in the Department of Gynaecology, Obstetrics and Gynaecologic Oncology of the Bonifraters Medical Centre in Katowice. There were no significant differences in blood serum levels of CD-specific antibodies between both groups. The study conducted did not confirm the association between vulvar lichen sclerosus and celiac disease or Duhring's disease. The main limitation of the research was the small size of the study and control groups. Further studies on a larger group of patients are needed. They could clarify the possible mechanisms behind the co-occurrence of these two conditions. Earlier diagnostic will help prevent the development of severe and irreversible complications.

Worn-Down Nails: A Rare Entity

This case report discusses a rare condition known as bidet nail syndrome, characterised by worn-down triangular nails resulting from repetitive rubbing against bidet porcelain during genital area cleaning. The patient, a 35-year-old male pharmacist, presented with splitting and redness in the nail plates of both big toes, attributed to tight and anteriorly covered shoes. Clinical examination revealed a triangular area of nail thinning with slight redness and a thin brown line along the edges. Dermoscopic findings indicated nail bed reddening, enlarged capillaries and small areas of bleeding corresponding to nail thinning. The provisional diagnosis included worn-down nails, lacquer nails and onychoteiromania, with the final confirmation of worn-down nails. The patient showed significant improvement after changing footwear, emphasising the importance of lifestyle modifications. The bidet nail syndrome, initially described in 1999, is associated with chronic scratching or manual labour, with susceptibility to nail plate damage varying among individuals. This case underscores the need for dermatologists to recognise and differentiate worn-down nails from similar conditions, enabling accurate diagnosis and avoiding unnecessary treatments. Overall, bidet nail syndrome is a self-limiting condition, emphasising the importance of a thorough medical history for effective management.

Anthrenus sarnicus Mroczkowski (Coleoptera: Dermestidae: Megatominae): a peculiar species indeed

In several respects, Anthrenus (Anthrenodes) sarnicus Mroczkowski, 1962, is a 'peculiar species', a term used by Mroczkowski (1962) to describe the structure of the male genitalia. Here we review what is known about the species' distribution, carry out a morphological examination, and present images of the male and female genitalia.

Disorders in cytokine synthesis in women with uterine fibroids

In the structure of gynecological diseases, uterine fibroids occupy an “honorable” second place after inflammatory processes of the genital organs, and its share reaches 40%. Uterine fibroids are a benign monoclonal tumor that develops from one abnormal smooth muscle cell of the myometrium, which, as a result of mutation, has the ability to grow unregulated. Common symptoms of the disease include pelvic discomfort or pain, excessive uterine bleeding, secondary anemia, infertility, and bowel and bladder dysfunction. Uterine fibroids can negatively affect the general condition of a woman, causing hormonal, vegetative-vascular and psycho-emotional disorders. Moreover, about 80% of patients with uterine fibroids undergo radical surgical treatment. The mechanisms of development and growth of this benign tumor have not been fully established and remain controversial. The role of immune disorders in the pathogenesis of fibroids is currently being discussed. It has been proven that the growth of fibroids is accompanied by a weakening of immune defense against the background of an increase in the level of proinflammatory cytokines, which are regulators of the processes of proliferation and apoptosis, mediators of the action of sex steroids. The aim of the study was to study the level of some pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-2, TGF-β2 and MCP-1) in the blood serum of women of reproductive age with uterine fibroids, depending on the size and nature of tumor growth. A comparative analysis of the results of examination of 123 women with uterine fibroids, who made up 2 groups: 1st group of 65 women with simple uterine fibroids and 2nd group of 58 women with rapidly growing uterine fibroids, is presented. The examination included a comprehensive clinical and laboratory study. The level of cytokines (IL-1β, IL- 2, TGF-β2, MCP-1) in the blood serum was assessed by ELISA. It was found that in patients of reproductive age with uterine fibroids, there is an increase in the levels of IL-1β, TGF-β2 and MCP-1. In women with rapidly growing uterine fibroids, these changes are more pronounced. The concentration of IL-2 is reduced in all women with uterine fibroids, regardless of the size and nature of tumor growth. It has been established that an increase in the size of myomatous nodes is accompanied by an increase in immune imbalance: there is an increase in the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TGF-β2, MCP-1) against the background of a reduced content of the lymphokine IL-2, which we regard as possible links in the pathogenesis of uterine fibroids. A pronounced deficiency of IL-2 in the blood serum against the background of a sharp increase in the concentration of TGF-β2 and MCP-1 in the blood of women with uterine fibroids can be considered as a negative criterion for predicting disease progression and used as an additional prognostic marker of tumor growth

Revision of Euliroetis Ogloblin, 1936 (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Galerucinae) from China, with descriptions of two new species

In this study, based on the examination of type specimens, the morphology of male and female genitalia and additional body characters, the leaf-beetle genus Euliroetis is taxonomically revised. Five Chinese species of Euliroetis are redescribed, a new synonymy is proposed: E. nigrinota Gressitt et Kimoto, 1963 = E. simulonigrinota Yang, 1992, syn. nov., and two new species are described: E. testacea Feng et Yang, sp. nov. and E. tenuis Feng et Yang, sp. nov. Additionally, photographs of all male adults and genitalia, female genitalia, line drawings of all males' abdomens, and a key to species of Euliroetis is provided.

Exploring the Anomala fuscosignata-complex: discovery of two new species from southern China (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Rutelinae)

An investigation towards taxonomy of the Anomala fuscosignata-complex from southern China and northern Vietnam was conducted through direct morphological comparison and molecular phylogenetic analysis, which results in discovery of two new species: A. nanlingensis Zhao, Zorn &amp; Liu, sp. nov. and A. zhengyucheni Zhao, Zorn &amp; Liu, sp. nov. The morphological differences in female genitalia and low genetic divergence as well as their taxonomic implications within Anomalini are discussed.

Establishment of two species groups of Ichthyurus Westwood (Coleoptera: Cantharidae), with description of two new species from China and Vietnam

Two species groups of the genus Ichthyurus Westwood, 1848 in the Oriental Region are proposed based on the anatomical comparison. One is the I. vandepolli species group, which is composed of two species, namely I. vandepolli Gestro, 1892 and I. opacus Gestro, 1906 (newly recorded to China). The other is the I. bourgeoisi species group, consisting of four species, including I. bourgeoisi Gestro, 1892, I. savioi Pic, 1928, I. niger sp. nov. (Vietnam, Vinh Phue) and I. bilineatimimus sp. nov. (China, Yunnan). The above species are illustrated with habitus and genital segments of both sexes, prothoracic leg and aedeagus of the male and internal genitalia of the female. A key for identification and distribution maps of these species are provided.

Taxonomic notes on Prothemus Champion (Coleoptera: Cantharidae), with descriptions of two new species from China and Vietnam

Prothemus longiphysus Wittmer, 1995 is considered as a junior synonym of P. sanguinosus (Farimaire, 1900). Meanwhile, P. angustioripennis (Pic, 1927), originally described in Cantharis, is removed from the synonym of P. sanguinosus and reinstated as a valid species. Besides, two new species are discovered and described under the names of P. biprominens sp. nov. and P. venustiformis sp. nov. In addition, the macrophotographs of aedeagi and female internal genitalia are firstly provided for the following species: P. sanguinosus, P. purpureipennis (Gorham, 1889), P. chinensis Wittmer, 1987, P. kiukianganus (Gorham, 1889), P. limbolarius (Fairmaire, 1900) and P. monochrous (Fairmaire, 1900). A key to the Prothemus species from Nanling National Natural Reserve, China is provided.

Herpesvirus surveillance in stranded striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba) and bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) from Italy with emphasis on neuropathological characterization.

Herpesvirus (HV) is widely distributed among cetacean populations, with the highest prevalence reported in the Mediterranean Sea. In this study, a comprehensive analysis was conducted, including epidemiological, phylogenetic, and pathological aspects, with particular emphasis on neuropathology, to better understand the impact of HV in these animals. Our results show a higher presence of HV in males compared to females, with males exhibiting a greater number of positive tissues. Additionally, adults were more frequently affected by HV infection than juveniles, with no infections detected in calves or neonates. The affected species were striped (Stenella coeruleoalba) and bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). The highest positivity rates were observed in the genital system, cerebrum, and skin tissues. Phylogenetic analysis indicated a higher occurrence of Gammaherpesvirus (GHV) sequences but increased genetic diversity within Alphaherpesvirus (AHV). Key neuropathological features included astro-microgliosis (n = 4) and meningitis with minimal to mild perivascular cuffing (n = 2). The presence of concurrent infections with other pathogens, particularly cetacean morbillivirus (CeMV), underscores the complex nature of infectious diseases in cetaceans. However, the presence of lesions at the Central Nervous System (CNS) with molecular positivity for GHV, excluding the involvement of other potential neurotropic agents, would confirm the potential of this HV subfamily to induce neurological damage. Pathological examination identified lesions in other organs that could potentially be associated with HV, characterized by lymphoid depletion and tissue inflammation. These findings enhance our understanding of HV in odontocetes and highlight the need for ongoing research into the factors driving these infections and their broader implications.

A new species of the genus Anoplophora Hope (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Lamiinae: Lamiini) from Nanling Priority Area for Biodiversity Conservation

The diversity of the genus Anoplophora Hope, 1839 of Nanling Priority Area for Biodiversity Conservation is surveyed, with the discovery of one new species, A. xuei Lin &amp; Wen, sp. nov. This species is described from Guangxi and Guizhou, China. Illustrations of the habitus and male genitalia of A. xuei Lin &amp; Wen, sp. nov. and the similar A. leechi (Gahan) are provided. Additional locality data for A. leechi is provided.

Notes on Aulaconotus Thomson, 1864 from China, with description of one new species (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Lamiinae: Agapanthiini)

The male of the little-known species Aulaconotus incorrugatus Gressitt, 1939 is reported for the first time, and its male genitalia compared with the most similar congener, A. semiaulaconotus (Hayashi, 1974). A few new provincial records for A. incorrugatus are given. A new species closely related to the above taxa, A. yangi Bi &amp; Lin sp. nov., is described from southeastern China. Illustrations of the habitus and major diagnostic characters, including endophallic structure, of these three species are provided.

Revision of the subgenus Orientostichus Sciaky &amp; Allegro in Southeast China, with descriptions of seven new species of the Pterostichus prattii Bates species group (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Pterostichini)

The subgenus Orientostichus Sciaky &amp; Allegro, 2013 from Southeast China is reviewed. A total of eleven species were recognized from this area, all belonging to the Pterostichus prattii Bates, 1890 species group. They are mainly differentiated by the characters of pronotum basal foveae, elytral microsculpture, male sexual modification on sternite VII, and endophallus of male genitalia. Seven new species are described: Pterostichus (Orientostichus) sinuosus sp. nov. (type locality: Guangfuding, Guangxi), P. (O.) shan sp. nov. (Nanling, Guangdong), P. (O.) luoxiaoensis sp. nov. (Qiyunshan, Hunan), P. (O.) separatus sp. nov. (Tianmu Mt., Zhejiang), P. (O.) skanda sp. nov. (Tianmu Mt., Zhejiang), P. (O.) fujianensis sp. nov. (Luoboding, Fujian), P. (O.) deliquus sp. nov. (Ziyundong mt., Fujian). P. (O.) matalini Fedorenko, 2023 is newly recorded from China (Jian’ou, Fujian).

The Sericini (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Sericinae) from the Nanling Mountains, China

In this paper we update the knowledge on the species of Sericini occurring in the Nanling Mountains, China. This includes new records of 19 known species. Furthermore, six new species are described: Maladera paradaanensis Liu, Ahrens, Li &amp; Yang, new species, M. tianqiae Liu, Ahrens, Li &amp; Yang, new species, Neoserica (s. str.) parajingangshanica Liu, Ahrens, Li &amp; Yang, new species, Tetraserica dabuensis Liu, Ahrens, Li &amp; Yang, new species, Trioserica shimen Liu, Ahrens, Li &amp; Yang, new species, and Lasioserica siyuanae Liu, Ahrens, Li &amp; Yang, new species. The habitus and male genitalia of the new species are illustrated, and a map shows the distribution of the new species.

What are future doctors learning about sex? An assessment of sexual health curricula across medical schools in the Northeastern United States.

Sexual health is an imperative area of study in medical school education, yet many medical schools do not offer a comprehensive curriculum nor is it standardized across the United States (US). This study aims to assess written curriculum materials from sexual health curricula in medical schools across the northeast region of the US and compare the current teachings to suggested standards. A compilation of academic resources including lecture materials and syllabi were systematically reviewed utilizing a standardized and validated rubric with variables assessed including: biological and psychological aspects of human sexual development, anatomy and physiology of the human sexual response cycle, sexual health in relation to human reproduction, and contraceptive options. We analyzed our data from the document analysis to look at the frequency of inclusion and exclusion of the sexual health topics included in our rubric. The outcomes of our data set were in line with our hypothesis that there is significant variance between sexual health curricula across institutions as well as an overall lack in material covering sexual health topics. The data show significant sex specific differences such that male-specific topics were covered more frequently than female-specific information. Additionally, only one of the 10 schools examined taught about vulvar conditions. There was also a paucity of information about sexuality in the post-partum period. The clinical implications of this study aim to highlight the discrepancy between an ideal sexual health curriculum and what is actually being taught in medical schools and help to guide future work of creating a comprehensive and standardized sexual medicine education in US. medical schools. The validity of this study was strengthened by analyzing direct curricula materials as opposed to previous use of subjective, self-reported questionnaires. However, the sample location being restricted to the Northeast was a limitation to generalize findings across the country. Future studies would aim to analyze medical school curricula across different regions in the US. This study shows that there is a lack of comprehensive and standardized sexual health curriculum in medical schools in the Northeastern US and serves as initial evidence for further investigation of this topic across American medical schools.