Genital Apparatus Research Articles

Pelvic Organ Prolapse Suspension (POPS) for Obstructive Defecation Syndrome (ODS) : Functional Outcome

Background: Genital apparatus represents the anatomical support for the bladder and rectum, therefore, inevitably the genital prolapse implies serious anatomical and functional alterations of these organs. Pelvic organ prolapse is one of the most common pathological conditions in postmenopausal women.Pelvic organ prolapse suspensions (POPS) is a recent surgical procedure for one-stage treatment of multiorgan female pelvic prolapse. Methods: This observational study evaluated the preliminary results of POPS of 42 women with a mean age of 50 within 4 years of period. Patients underwent posterior colpoperineorrhaphy to correct residual rectocele and hiatal enlargement at the same time. Results: We had no relapses and the preliminary results were excellent. We evaluated the patients after 6 months follow-up and confirmed the validity of our treatment. The technique is simpler than traditional treatments with an important reduction or completely disappearance of the pre-operative symptoms. Conclusions: Uterus-preserving pops operation was found to be safe and effective with high patient satisfaction rates and simultaneous correction of anterior prolapse. Significant improvements in patients quality of life. J Shaheed Suhrawardy Med Coll 2022; 14(2): 20-24

Anatomy of the Male Reproductive System of Sugar Gliders (Petaurus breviceps).

The present study provides a detailed macroscopic examination (with some microscopic insights) of the genital apparatus of seven adult and intact male sugar gliders, as well as one castrated individual. The scrotum is pendulous and attached to the ventral abdominal wall, situated in the caudal part of the abdomen and cranial to the cloacal opening. The testes are oval shaped with their long axes oriented vertically. The epididymides are attached along the caudomedial border of their respective testes. The head and tail of the epididymides are in close proximity to the poles of the testes but are not directly attached. The deferent ducts are positioned laterally to their ipsilateral ureter as they run near the dorsal surface of the urinary bladder. The ampulla of the deferent duct is absent. The penis is located post-scrotally, lacks insertion into the bony pelvis, and has a bifid distal end. The crura of the penis originate within the ischiocavernosus muscles, and there are two bulbs of the penis. When flaccid, the entire penis is concealed in the perineal region and externalizes through an orifice situated in the ventral part of the cloaca, traversing its floor towards the cloacal opening. The urethral external orifice is positioned at the point where the bifurcation of the free part of the penis begins. The prostate gland resides in the pelvic cavity and consists of two parts: a macroscopically visible body surrounding the urethra and a microscopically identifiable portion embedded within the walls of the duct. Sugar gliders possess two pairs of bulbous bulbourethral glands, located dorsally and laterally to the rectum, but lack vesicular glands.

(006) GENITAL VASCULAR RESISTANCE AS A PREDICTOR OF CARDIOVASCULAR RISK ACCORDING TO THE ANALYSIS OF THE PROGETTO CUORE IN PREMENOPAUSAL WOMEN

Abstract Introduction Gender disparity persists in the relationship between sexual dysfunction and cardiovascular risk (CV). It is well- known that erectile dysfunction (ED) represents a sign of subclinical CV pathology and that alterations in color Doppler penile ultrasound parameters serve as predictive markers of major CV events. Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is a complex condition that involves psychological and organic components, including the cardiovascular system, and affects the quality of life of over a third of women. However, despite its high prevalence, little attention has been paid to the vascular system responsible for blood supply to the female genital apparatus. In men, the hypothesis of penile artery size is a proposed pathophysiological mechanism to address the relationship between the onset of ED symptoms and cardiovascular disease. In recent years, it has also been highlighted that compromised genital vascularization may be a precursor to cardiovascular diseases in women. Objective Our ami gas to investigate the association between clitoral pulsatility index (PI), evaluated through Clitoral color Doppler ultrasound (CDU), and cardiometabolic risk factors in women referred to the Andrology, Women’s Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy. Methods In an observational study, a total of 361 women with a mean age of 45.1 (±13.3) years were evaluated. All patients underwent a thorough medical history assessment, an evaluation of anthropometric parameters, blood sampling for measurement of metabolic and hormonal parameters and a Doppler ultrasound of the clitoral cavernous artery to measure the PI. Results 23.5% of the patients were overweight and 11.6% were obese, 16.3% had hypertension, and 18.6% had metabolic syndrome. In the multivariate analysis, after adjusting for age, the PI was positively correlated with body mass index (BMI) (ß=0.160, p=0.003) and waist circumference (ß=0.186, p=0.002). Furthermore, all women underwent cardiovascular risk assessment, as indicated by Progetto CUORE, assigning a score based on the presence of risk factors (blood pressure, cholesterol levels, smoking, diabetes, age, gender) to estimate the absolute global cardiovascular risk over the next 10 years. We observed that, particularly in women of reproductive age, the clitoral PI was positively correlated with the Progetto CUORE score (r=0.136, p=0.035). Conclusions Clitoral PI increases in relation to several cardiometabolic risk factors. It is therefore relevant to understand how common cardiometabolic alterations may influence vascular function in the female genital tract and whether treating these alterations leads to an improvement in clitoral ultrasound indices, especially in young premenopausal women. Disclosure No.

A new species of Zoraptera, Zorotypuskomatsui sp. nov. from Cameroon and a redescription of Zorotypusvinsoni Paulian, 1951 (Polyneoptera, Zoraptera).

A new species of the order Zoraptera, Zorotypuskomatsui Matsumura, Maruyama, Ntonifor & Beutel, sp. nov., is described from Cameroon. The female and male morphology of another species, Z.vinsoni, is re-described, and its new distribution in Madagascar is recorded. A particular focus is on the male postabdominal morphology. This is apparently a crucial body region in the very small order with an extreme variation of the genital apparatus but otherwise a very uniform morphology. The male of the newly described species shares rudimentary male genitalia and well-developed postabdominal projections with the distantly related Spermozorosimpolitus, apparently a result of parallel evolution. Whether males of Z.komatsui also perform external sperm transfer like S.impolitus remains to be shown. The collecting of the material used for this study suggests that the present knowledge of zorapteran species diversity of the Afrotropical region is very fragmentary.

A new species of Metafruticicola (Gastropoda, Hygromiidae) from the Aegean Archipelago and new anatomical and distributional data on some congeneric species

Metafruticicola is a diverse land snail genus inhabiting the north-eastern Mediterranean region from S Albania to Israel. In this study, we describe Metafruticicola kavafis sp. nov., a new species for science from Kasos Island. We also focus on the reproductive system of steno-endemic species and subspecies of the genus from small islands of the Aegean Archipelago, whose anatomy was previously completely unknown. These species are M. crassicosta, M. pieperi, M. coartata gemina and M. nicosiana conciliatrix. For the latter subspecies, only the outlines of the genitalia were previously given. Additionally, we investigated in detail for the first time the genital anatomy of M. nicosiana nicosiana from Cyprus. Hitherto, information on the genital apparatus of this subspecies was based on sparse data derived from sexually immature specimens. These new anatomical data contribute to a plethora of controversies concerning the subgeneric division of Metafruticicola, which was based solely on conchological features and especially the microsculpture of the teleoconch. We suggest that the current subgeneric division of the genus should be abandoned.

Two new feather mite species (Acarina: Psoroptidia) from the Chestnut Bulbul, Hemixos castanonotus (Passeriformes: Pycnonotidae), in China

Two new species of feather mites from the bird host Hemixos castanonotus Swinhoe, 1870 (Pycnonotidae) collected in China are described: Trouessartia bulbuli sp. nov. (Trouessartiidae) and Pteroherpus guangdongensis sp. nov. (Pteronyssidae). Trouessartia bulbuli sp. nov. is close to T. latisetata Gaud, 1952 and differs in having the following features: in males of T. bulbuli tibia IV has apical thorn-like process at base of solenidia φ, epimerites IVa are wide and with a small extension of irregular form on the anterior end; in females, the copulatory opening is on the small wide-angular projection (external copulatory tube) on the margin of interlobar membrane and h1 setae are filiform. Pteroherpus guangdongensis sp. nov. belongs to the hoplophorus species group and is most close to P. meghalayensis Constantinescu, 2014.The new species has the following distinctive characters: in males, a very long genital apparatus and the epiandrum with long branches, extending beyond the base of setae 4a, a pair of small additional sclerites posterior to prodorsal shield is present, and adanal shield is shaped as a small longitudinal sclerite of irregular form; in females, the hysterosomal shield is split into unpaired anterior hysteronotal sclerite shaped as shaped as dumb-bell, central sclerite of triangular form, paired lateral opisthosomal sclerites and pygidial sclerites (similar to those in other species of hoplophorus group), and the hysteronotal gland openings gl are situated on the striated tegument.

Human papillomavirus infection in women undergoing in-vitro fertilization: effects on embryo development kinetics and live birth rate

BackgroudSeveral studies showed that human papillomavirus (HPV) affects male fertility, but its impact on female fertility and in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcome is not yet clear.MethodsObjective of this observational, prospective, cohort study was to evaluate the prevalence of HPV infection in women candidate to IVF, and the effects of HPV infection on the kinetic of embryonic development and on IVF outcome. A total number of 457 women candidate to IVF were submitted to HR-HPV test; among them, 326 underwent their first IVF cycle and were included in the analysis on IVF results.Results8.9% of women candidate to IVF were HPV-positive, HPV16 being the most prevalent genotype. Among the infertility causes, endometriosis was significantly more frequent in HPV-positive than in negative women (31.6% vs. 10.1%; p < 0.01). Granulosa and endometrial cells resulted HPV-positive in 61% and 48% of the women having HPV-positive cervical swab, respectively. Comparing HPV-positive and negative women at their first IVF cycle, no significant difference was observed in the responsiveness to controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) in terms of number and maturity of retrieved oocytes, and of fertilization rate. The mean morphological embryo score was comparable in the two groups; embryos of HPV-positive women showed a quicker development in the early stages, with a significantly shorter interval between the appearance of pronuclei and their fusion. In the following days, embryo kinetic was comparable in the two groups until the early blastocyst stage, when embryos of HPV-positive women became significantly slower than those of HPV-negative women. Overall, these differences did not affect live birth rate/started cycle, that was comparable in HPV-positive and negative women (22.2 and 28.1%, respectively).Conclusions(a) the prevalence of HPV infection in women candidate to IVF is similar to that observed in the general female population of the same age range; (b) HPV infection migrates along the female genital apparatus, involving also the endometrium and the ovary, and perhaps participates in the genesis of pelvic endometriosis; (c) HPV slightly affects the developmental kinetic of in vitro-produced embryos, but does not exert an effect on live birth rate.

Two new species of feather mites (Acari: Psoroptidia) from the Rusty-capped Fulvetta, Schoeniparus dubius (Passeriformes: Pellorneidae) in India

Two new species of feather mites are described from the Rusty-capped Fulvetta Schoeniparus dubius (Hume) (Passeriformes: Pellorneidae) in India (Meghalaya): Proterothrix manolelii Constantinescu sp. n. (Proctophyllodidae: Pterodectinae) and Trouessartia asiatica Constantinescu sp. n. (Trouessartiidae). Proterothrix manolelii belongs to the paradoxornis complex (wolffi species group) in having, in males, seta e of tarsus I lanceolate and the aedeagus long and whip-shaped. Among the other six species of the paradoxornis complex, this species appears to be closest to P. alcippeae Mironov, Literak, Hung &amp; Capek, 2012 from the Rufous-throated Fulvetta, Schoeniparus rufogularis (Mandelli) (Passeriformes: Pellorneidae). Males of Proterothrix manolelii are distinguished from the latter in having the pentagonal structure formed by epimerites of propodosoma completely closed, the opisthosomal lobes almost three times longer than wide at base, and setae mGI and mGII lanceolate. Females of P. manolelii have the sternum about 1/3 of the total length of epimerites I, and the primary spermaduct is thickened only in distal 1/3. Trouessartia asiatica is the first species of the genus described from a bird host in the family Pellorneidae. Males of T. asiatica are clearly differentiated from related species described from birds in the family Leiotrichidae (T. cyanouropterae Constantinescu, 2016, T. alcippeae Constantinescu, 2016, and T. pauciseta Constantinescu, Chișamera, Motoc, Gustafsson, Zou, Chu and Adam, 2021), in the position and shape of the genital setae g, which are enlarged in basal 2/3rd and located far distantly from the base of genital apparatus, posterior to bases of setae 4a. Females of this species are clearly distinguished in the shape of the primary spermaduct, which is thickened along its entire length.

The sperm structure of the diving beetles Stictonectes optatus (Seidlitz, 1887) and Scarodytes halensis (Fabricius, 1787) (Dytiscidae, Hydroporinae) with evidence of a spermatostyle in the sperm conjugation.

The structure of the male genital organs and spermiogenesis of two diving beetles, Stictonectes optatus and Scarodytes halensis were studied for the first time. S. optatus shows unifollicular testes consisting of a long tubule apically forming a globular structure. The deferent duct epithelia show a secretory activity involved in the spermatostyle organization. They are connected with two very large accessory glands. Sc. halensis has a more common structure of the male genital apparatus with unifollicular cylindrical testes and very long deferent ducts. Sc. halensis accessory glands are smaller than those of S. optatus. The sperm structure in both species is characterized by a small acrosome, a flattened nucleus with a lateral extension containing a centriole from which a long flagellum originates. Both species exhibit sperm conjugation with long sperm bundles showing nuclei orderly arranged in sperm-heads stacks and free flagella. In addition, S. optatus has a thick layer of secretion surrounds these sperm-head stacks. Such a secretion is considered a spermatostyle. This finding represents the first record about the presence of this structure among Dytiscidae. In the flagellum, a typical axoneme with a 9 + 9 + 2 microtubular complex, and two mitochondrial derivatives are present in both species. Those of S. optatus have a peculiar shape with the apical side, in cross-section, displaying pointed corners. Two small accessory bodies are located between the axoneme and the two mitochondrial derivatives.

Efficiency of intravenous therapy with Intralipid fat emulsion in patients with early reproductive loss

BACKGROUND: Immune mechanisms play a leading role in the pathogenesis of early reproductive loss. Modern methods of regulating disorders of immune homeostasis to overcome infertility and recurrent miscarriage include immune-efferent therapies such as immunocytotherapy, plasmapheresis, and intravenous administration of immunoglobulins and fat emulsions. Intralipid is the gold standard of the first generation parenteral fat emulsion that reduces the cytotoxicity of NK cells. In the literature, there are opposite data on the effectiveness of Intralipid fat emulsion in repeated implantation failure. This may be due to indications for its appointment and the choice of criteria for evaluating the effectiveness of this therapy.&#x0D; AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Intralipid therapy on the onset of pregnancy in patients with a history of early reproductive loss.&#x0D; MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective cohort study was conducted in Saint Petersburg, Russia in 20182021 and included 97 patients with a history of early reproductive loss (recurrent pregnancy loss or repeated In Vitro Fertilization failures). Patients were randomized into two study groups. The first group consisted of 41 women with Intralipid therapy, and the second group comprised 56 women without this therapy. Patients of the first group received 200 ml of Intralipid 20% (intravenous fat emulsion) once a month for three consecutive months before pregnancy. Inclusion criteria were ages 18 to 40 years, two cases of reproductive failure (pregnancy loss up to 12 weeks and / or unsuccessful In Vitro Fertilization attempts), and normal spouse karyotypes. Exclusion criteria were miscarriage due to fetal chromosomal abnormalities diagnosed by curettage and histopathological examination of products of conception from miscarriages, anatomical anomalies in the development of the genital apparatus, abnormal spouse karyotypes, and soy protein allergy. We evaluated anamnesis data and immunological parameters (functional activity of NK cells in peripheral blood before and after treatment). The efficacy of therapy was judged by the onset of pregnancy.&#x0D; RESULTS: The Mann Whitney U-test showed the difference in the levels of NKT cells before and after treatment with fat emulsions (p = 0.0076), this parameter decreasing 1.846 times compared to control. Clinical pregnancy in patients treated with Intralipid occurred twice as often compared to patients who did not receive fat emulsion therapy: 59.3% (n = 19) vs. 27.6% (n = 13), respectively (p = 0.0048).&#x0D; CONCLUSIONS: Intralipid fat emulsion increases pregnancy rates by decreasing NKT cells in women with early reproductive loss.

Some reproductive characteristics in common donkey male (Equus asinus)-A mini review

In contrary to most domestic livestock species, the common donkey (Equus asinus) is widely known as an animal with a marked seasonality in reproductive activity .The annual cycle of daily photoperiod has been identified as the determining factor in the sexual activity. A synthesis of the particularities of donkey reproduction is important and constitutes a basis of scientific reflection for managing asine livestock farms and to establish a well conservation plan for the different breeds around the world. It is necessary to have a perfect knowledge of the seasonal physiological changes in order to optimize the reproductive characteristics in donkeys.The objective of this paper is to review the current state of knowledge on the reproductionseasonality in common donkey. We start with a remainder of some anatomical of the genital apparatus and sexual behavior aspects. Moreover, the investigations undertaken by many authors reveal the influence of the season on testicular biometry, histology, seminal and hormonal parameters in male donkeys’ populations. In conclusion, despite scientific controversy on reproductive seasonal character in donkeys, it could likely be influenced by several factors mainly the photoperiod.

Temporal decline of sperm concentration: role of endocrine disruptors.

Male infertility is a widespread disease with an etiology that is not always clear. A number of studies have reported a decrease in sperm production in the last forty years. Although the reasons are still undefined, the change in environmental conditions and the higher exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), namely bisphenol A, phthalates, polychlorinated biphenyls, polybrominated diphenyl esters, dichlorodiphenyl-dichloroethylene, pesticides, and herbicides, organophosphates, and heavy metals, starting from prenatal life may represent a possible factor justifying the temporal decline in sperm count. The aim of this study is to provide a comprehensive description of the effects of the exposure to EDCs on testicular development, spermatogenesis, the prevalence of malformations of the male genital tract (cryptorchidism, testicular dysgenesis, and hypospadias), testicular tumor, and the mechanisms of testicular EDC-mediated damage. Animal studies confirm the deleterious impact of EDCs on the male reproductive apparatus. EDCs can compromise male fertility by binding to hormone receptors, dysregulating the expression of receptors, disrupting steroidogenesis and hormonal metabolism, and altering the epigenetic mechanisms. In humans, exposure to EDCs has been associated with poor semen quality, increased sperm DNA fragmentation, increased gonadotropin levels, a slightly increased risk of structural abnormalities of the genital apparatus, such as cryptorchidism and hypospadias, and development of testicular tumor. Finally, maternal exposure to EDCs seems to predispose to the risk of developing testicular tumors. EDCs negatively impact the testicular function, as suggested by evidence in both experimental animals and humans. A prenatal and postnatal increase to EDC exposure compared to the past may likely represent one of the factors leading to the temporal decline in sperm counts.

Wing measurements are a possible tool for the identification of European forensically important Sarcophagidae

The flesh flies are a group of insects well known for their forensic importance. Reliable identification of these flies relies on the use of either molecular markers or the morphology of the male genital apparatus. Identification of female flesh flies is more time consuming and less reliable than their male counterparts. This is particularly problematic for forensic entomology practitioners, because female flesh flies are more abundant than males in carrion arthropod assemblages. As such, it is critical that alternative methods for flesh fly identification are established that are equally effective for both sexes. One promising technique is the use of wing measurements, which have been shown to be reliable for the identification of some groups of necrophagous Diptera from several geographical regions. We applied this method to the European Sarcophagidae for the first time, using a dataset of 881 specimens representing 29 species and 5 genera. Species identifications were based on 15 landmarks located at wing vein junctions. We also combined our results with data from previous studies of Calliphoridae and Muscidae which utilised the same methodology, enabling the testing of family level identification using wing morphometrics. Species identifications using wing measurements had varied success. While some species were successfully identified without error, others, particularly from the genus Sarcophaga, were often misclassified. Notably, in several species wing measurements successfully identified both males and females. The results presented here suggest that wing measurements are a promising complementary method to other methods for the identification of necrophagous Sarcophagidae especially in material unsorted at the family level. It can also be used to double check identification performed by a taxonomist using traditional methods.

A new feather mite of the genus Trouessartia Canestrini, 1899 (Acariformes: Trouessartiidae) from the bran-colored flycatcher, Myiophobus fasciatus (Muller PLS, 1776) (Passeriformes: Tyrannidae), in Brazil

ABSTRACT A new feather mite species of the genus Trouessartia Canestrini, 1899 (Analgoidea: Trouessartiidae) is described from Myiophobus fasciatus (Statius Muller, 1776) (Passeriformes: Tyrannidae) in Brazil. Trouessartia apodemata sp. nov. differs from previously described species of the genus by the unique arrangement of epimerites around the genital apparatus in males, with the lateral tips of the epiandrum fused with epimerites IIIa anterior to the genital apparatus and epimerites IVa fused at their inner tips into a large arch posterior to it. http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:A0B4C7DA-5E13-4487-8D4C-CA976FEFCB59 http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:32143DF9-A583-4472-B0F9-06AD2C306441

New Innovations for the Treatment of Vulvovaginal Atrophy: An Up-to-Date Review

Vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA) is a chronic progressive disease involving the female genital apparatus and lower urinary tract. This condition is related to hypoestrogenism consequent to menopause onset but is also due to the hormonal decrease after adjuvant therapy for patients affected by breast cancer. Considering the high prevalence of VVA and the expected growth of this condition due to the increase in the average age of the female population, it is easy to understand its significant social impact. VVA causes uncomfortable disorders, such as vaginal dryness, itching, burning, and dyspareunia, and requires constant treatment, on cessation of which symptoms tend to reappear. The currently available therapies include vaginal lubricants and moisturizers, vaginal estrogens and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), systemic hormone therapy, and Ospemifene. Considering, however, that such therapies have some problems that include contraindications, ineffectiveness, and low compliance, finding an innovative, effective, and safe treatment is crucial. The present data suggest great efficacy and safety of a vaginal laser in the treatment of genital symptoms and improvement in sexual function in patients affected by VVA. The beneficial effect tends to be sustained over the long-term, and no serious adverse events have been identified. The aim of this review is to report up-to-date efficacy and safety data of laser energy devices, in particular the microablative fractional carbon dioxide laser and the non-ablative photothermal Erbium-YAG laser.

A new species of Apisa Walker, 1855 (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae) from Uganda with remarks on the apomorphies of the genus.

A new species of Apisa Walker, 1855 from Uganda (East Africa) and Gabon (Central Africa) is described according to morphological characters and DNA barcode information. A diagnosis, detailed description, distribution, and illustrations of specimens and the male genitalia are provided. Diagnostic characters are found in wing shape, strongly marked wing venation and details of the male genital apparatus. The DNA barcode sequences of twelve specimens of A. atrovenosa sp. n. are compared with other members of Apisa. Diagnostic characters of the genus are summarised and discussed for the first time with an emphasis on the lack of arolium as the obvious autapomorphy. This character is shown by SEM photographs.

The Population Variability of the Reproductive Tract of Land Mollusks Pseudonapaeus albiplicatus (Gastropoda, Enidae) of the Zarafshan Ridge

The population variability of the reproductive tract of Ps. albiplicatus in three populations of the Zarafshan Range, which is expressed in the internal structures of the penis, the reduction of certain adnexal organs (the penial sections of the genital apparatus) and the entrainment or reduction in the length of the three dis sections of the penial appendix.

Nasal Transmissible Venereal Tumor (TVT) in Dogs

Background: Transmissible venereal tumors (TVT) are naturally occurring neoplasms that can be transmitted through copulation or cell transplantation. It is a disease that affects canines, has no preference for sex or breed, and generally noticed in the external genital apparatus. Extragenital occurrence may eventually be seen; however, nasal involvement has been described in only a few reports of studies conducted in Brazil. Therefore, the objective of this study is to report 3 cases of nasal TVT in dogs who were treated in 2 municipalities in the mountainous region of Santa Catarina, Brazil.Cases: This case report includes 3 male mixed-breed canines of age 3-13. Only 1 of the animals was castrated. As per the medical history, some points, such as an enlarged nasal region, sneezing, nasal discharge, and hoarseness, reported by the dogs’ respective owners were similar among all the dogs. Likewise, nosebleed was observed on physical examination in all the cases. The result of cytological examination was inconclusive only in 1 case. Rhinoscopy, incisional biopsy, and histopathological examination were then performed for achieving a definitive diagnosis. In the 2 cases wherein cytology gave conclusive results, the cytological smears showed changes suggestive of TVT, such as cells with eccentric nuclei and little cytoplasm, which had vacuoles inside them. In 2 cases, radiographic examinations of the skull were also performed. The images showed changes in bone radiopacity, conformation of trabeculae with areas of bone lysis and cell proliferation, and irregularity in the contour of the nasal bone. After TVT diagnosis was confirmed, chemotherapy was initiated using vincristine at a dose of 0.75 mg/m2 for 2 cases and 0.025 mg/kg for the remaining case. The number of chemotherapy sessions and duration of treatment until the resolution of lesions and clinical signs varied as per the differences in the patients’ blood counts performed prior to each session.Discussion: TVT occurs between 1 and 7 years of life. It occurs more frequently in sexually active animals and has no preference for breed. Of the 3 cases reported herein, only one of the patients was elderly. All the patients were male mixed-breed dogs, and only 1 of them was castrated. The implantation of neoplastic cells through natural mounts, licks, scratches, or bites of affected areas are the most widely accepted reasons for the transmission of this neoplasm. With regard to the nasal presentation described in the present report, it is hypothesized that the smelling or licking of the neoplastic areas by the animal may favor cell implantation, leading to the subsequent development of a tumor. Nasal TVT should be considered as a differential diagnosis for dogs with chronic symptoms of the upper respiratory tract, such as increased local volume, nasal discharge, nosebleed, and sneezing. These signs are consistent with those described in this report. Radiographic evaluation was performed in 2 cases and both showed changes in bone radiopacity and trabeculae conformation, in addition to areas of bone lysis and cell proliferation, which are common in neoplastic processes. A presumptive diagnosis can be achieved from the medical history, clinical signs, and physical examination. Cytological and histopathological examination are the confirmatory methods; however, it is used less frequently and especially when cytological evaluation does not provide a definitive diagnosis. Antineoplastic chemotherapy with vincristine is the first-choice treatment protocol, which also proved to be effective for the patients in this report. Although TVT commonly affects the external genitalia of dogs, in the cases reported herein, it was located exclusively in the nasal region. Keywords: TVT, dog, nasal, vincristine.Título: Tumor venéreo transmissível (TVT) nasal em cãesDescritores: TVT, cão, nasal, vincristine.

Menopause and sexuality

Many women spend a third of their lives in postmenopause, and it’s a given that sexual life must go on after menopause since its benefits were vastly proven. A number of factors influence sexuality in postmenopause: the age at which menopause sets in, how menopause sets in, physical and mental state, quality of sexual life in perimenopause and the quality and duration of the relationship with the partner. The hypoestrogenism that characterizes menopause leads to a decrease in libido, to changes in the genital apparatus (vaginal atrophy, dyspareunia) or other changes (hot flushes, impaired urination, depression), which negatively affect sexual health. Assessing sexual dysfunction is not easy. The interplay between the types of factors that predispose, precipitate and maintain sexual dysfunction requires preparation on the part of the clinician in identifying the elements of interest and indicating appropriate therapy. Research on the quantification of sexual dysfunction in women has led to the development of various scales or questionnaires to assess the impact of menopausal-related changes on sexual function and quality of intimate life. The ultimate goal of the clinician is to find an optimal method of treatment that will improve the condition and enhance the quality of sexual life. The available knowledge about menopausal sexuality may still be the tip of the iceberg in both medical practice and society and further research and information campaigns are greatly needed.

Erectile Function and Sexual Behavior: A Review of the Role of Nitric Oxide in the Central Nervous System.

Nitric oxide (NO), the neuromodulator/neurotransmitter formed from l-arginine by neuronal, endothelial and inducible NO synthases, is involved in numerous functions across the body, from the control of arterial blood pressure to penile erection, and at central level from energy homeostasis regulation to memory, learning and sexual behavior. The aim of this work is to review earlier studies showing that NO plays a role in erectile function and sexual behavior in the hypothalamus and its paraventricular nucleus and the medial preoptic area, and integrate these findings with those of recent studies on this matter. This revisitation shows that NO influences erectile function and sexual behavior in males and females by acting not only in the paraventricular nucleus and medial preoptic area but also in extrahypothalamic brain areas, often with different mechanisms. Most importantly, since these areas are strictly interconnected with the paraventricular nucleus and medial preoptic area, send to and receive neural projections from the spinal cord, in which sexual communication between brain and genital apparatus takes place, this review reveals that central NO participates in concert with neurotransmitters/neuropeptides to a neural circuit controlling both the consummatory (penile erection, copulation, lordosis) and appetitive components (sexual motivation, arousal, reward) of sexual behavior.