Male Penis Research Articles

Observations on the reproductive morphology of the female short-beaked echidna, Tachyglossus aculeatus.

Although monotremes diverged from the therian mammal lineage approximately 187 million years ago, they retain various plesiomorphic and/or reptilian-like anatomical and physiological characteristics. This study examined the morphology of juvenile and adult female reproductive tracts across various stages of the presumptive oestrous cycle, collected opportunistically from cadaver specimens submitted to wildlife hospitals during the breeding season. In adult females, ovaries had a convoluted cortex with follicles protruding from the ovarian surface. While protruding antral follicles were absent from the ovaries of juvenile echidnas, histological analysis identified early developing primordial and primary follicles embedded into the ovarian cortex. The infundibulum epithelial cells of the oviducts were secretory during the follicular phase but not at other stages, the ampulla region was secretory at all stages and is likely responsible for the mucoid layer deposited around the zona pellucida, and the isthmus region of the oviduct appeared to be responsible for initial deposition of the shell coat, as in marsupials. Female echidnas have two separate uteri, which never merge and enter separately into the urogenital sinus (UGS). This study confirmed that both uteri are functional and increase in glandular activity during the luteal phase. In the juvenile uteri, the endometrium was immature with minimal, small uterine glands. A muscular cervical region at the caudal extremity of each uterus, just before the cranial region of the UGS was defined by the absence of glandular tissue in all female echidnas, including the juveniles. There was no evidence of a definitive vaginal region. A clitoris was also detected that possessed a less developed but similar structural (homologous) anatomy to the male penis; urethral ducts while present did not appear to be patent.

One new species the subgenus Liara (Liara) (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae: Conocephalinae: Agraeciini) from Yunnan, China

This paper describes the fourth species of the subgenus Liara (Liara) from China, which can be distinguished from other Chinese species by the shape of male cerci and male phallus. All the specimens are deposited in Guangxi Normal University.

First evidence of sperm remains on penis after mating in Opiliones (Opiliones: Gonyleptidae: Pachyloides thorellii)

Male harvestmen penial armature has a remarkable morphology; however, it is poorly known regarding its functions. We examined the male genitalia of virgin and mated males of the gonyleptid Pachyloides thorellii under Scanning Electron Microscope looking for evidence that the penis could remove sperm from the female ovipositor lumen during mating. Micrographs show sperm agglutinations over and within the microsetae fields in six out of the 12 mated males studied. For the mating experiments we used only virgin females, therefore the sperm found in the penis was in all cases their own sperm. This self-sperm removal could be the extraction of sperm excess in cooperation (or not) with the females. This is the first study to show for the Order Opiliones direct evidence that a male penis contains structures that can effectively remove sperm from the female ovipositor. Further behavioral and morphological studies are needed to confirm the conditions of occurrence and participation of each sex in sperm removal processes in this species.

Phenotypic variability and management of patients with mosaic monosomy X and Y chromosome material: a case series

Backgroundwe aim to discuss the origin and the differences of the phenotypic features and the management care of rare form of disorder of sex development due to Mosaic monosomy X and Y chromosome materiel.MethodsWe report our experience with patients harboring mosaic monosomy X and Y chromosome material diagnosed by blood cells karyotypes and cared for in our department from 2005 to 2022.ResultsWe have included five infants in our study. The current average age was 8 years. In four cases, the diagnosis was still after born and it was at the age of 15 years in one case. Physical examination revealed a variable degree of virilization, ranging from a normal male phallus with unilateral ectopic gonad to ambiguous with a genital tubercle and bilateral not palpable gonads in four cases and normal female external genitalia in patient 5. Karyotype found 45, X/46, XY mosaicism in patient 1 and 2 and 45, X/46, X, der (Y) mosaicism in patient 3, 4 and 5. Three cases were assigned to male gender and two cases were assigned to female. After radiologic and histologic exploration, four patients had been explored by laparoscopy to perform gonadectomy in two cases and Mullerian derivative resection in the other. Urethroplasty was done in two cases of posterior hypospadias. Gender identity was concordant with the sex of assignment at birth in only 3 cases.ConclusionBecause of the phenotypic heterogeneity of this sexual disorders and the variability of its management care, then the decision should rely on a multidisciplinary team approach.

Ultrasound Elastography as a Diagnostic Tool for Peyronie's Disease: A State-of-the-Art Review.

Elastography is a noninvasive method that utilizes ultrasound imaging to assess the elasticity and stiffness of soft tissue. Peyronie's disease (PD) is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the male penis, causing the formation of fibrous plaques. This alters the penis's elasticity and can lead to changes in its shape. Ultrasound elastography (UE) is an important advancement in the diagnosis of PD. It not only identifies plaques, but it also measures their rigidity, providing crucial information to monitor changes during and after treatment. We conducted a narrative review of the scientific literature to identify articles that discuss the use of elastography in the diagnostic study of PD. The purpose of this study was to describe the "state of the art" in the diagnostic use of ultrasound in combination with elastography to highlight any benefits in the diagnosis of PD. We found 12 relevant articles after searching PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar using the keywords "ultrasound elastography" and "Peyronie's disease", including eight clinical studies, two case reports, and two review articles. The results of our review indicate that UE is a useful technique for identifying Peyronie-related plaques, particularly when they are not detectable using a standard ultrasound or physical examination. It is also helpful in monitoring improvements during and after conservative treatments. More research is required to confirm the effectiveness of ultrasound elastography in diagnosing Peyronie's disease and to determine whether it is better than traditional ultrasound.

(229) A Pilot Study of a Novel PRP Protocol to Increase Penile Length, Girth, and Function

Abstract Introduction A study of a novel PRP protocol to increase penile length, girth, and function Intro: Various solutions have been utilized to increase penis size, including fillers, fat transfers, traction devices, suspensory ligament ligation, and silicon augmentation. None of these improve length, girth, function and are completely safe. PRP is an autologous source of growth factors. The RestoreX is a well-studied traction device. Vacuum erection devices provide a stimulus for circumferential penile growth. Nitric Oxide boosters improve blood flow and nighttime erections. Objective The P-Long Study aims to find a safe and reproducible way to increase the length, girth, and function of a normal male penis. Methods The study is IRB approved and patient consented. Inclusion criteria: healthy men aged 20 to 55 with normal erectile function (SHIM greater than 22) and no Peyronie’s Disease, previous penile interventions, or congenital penile issues. Measurement of penile length and girth were performed by the patient on an erect penis during self-stimulation at full tumescence with standard protocol and measuring instruments (transparent rigid ruler and flexible tape measure) and documented with digital images. No PDE-5 inhibitors or Trimix were used. Measurements were taken at baseline and once a month for six months. PRP was administered in the right and left corpora under ultrasound guidance once a month for six months using PureSpin double spin system (60cc blood drawn) Centrifuge technical data show an average platelet recovery of 84% and average concentration of 6.6 times that of the whole blood sample. Using this data, the injection of 10cc of PRP, assuming a starting platelet count of 250K/microliter, would contain approximately 1.65 billion platelets. Traction with RestoreX 20 minutes bid and suction with Joel Kaplan penis pump (pressure 5-10 for 12 minutes bid (1 minute x 2 and 5 minutes x 2.) Nitric Oxide boosting supplement (trade name AFFIRM) with a dose of 3 gm L-Citrulline and 1 gm beet extract (nitrate). Results 29 men have completed treatment. The mean age was 32 and mean baseline erect penile length was 5.70 and girth was 5.25. Erect penis length was 0.805 inch greater after six months from baseline (N=29, paired t-test t=13.641 p value=0.000). Circumference was 0.469 inch greater (N=29, paired t-test t=13.498 p value=0.000). Using a Likert scale, all participants reported better erectile function. Conclusions The P-Long Protocol is potentially a safe way to improve erect penile length 0.81 inches and girth 0.47 inches over a period of six months and subjectively improve function in a healthy penis. The P-Long Protocol does not require any synthetic injectables or foreign bodies or extensive penile traction. The P-Long Protocol ultrasound-guided PRP injection can be taught to urologists and sexual medicine practitioners. It does not preclude additional augmentation procedures and is potentially an acceptable first option for men interested in penile enhancement. This study provides a guide for expectations for growth for men using the protocol. The slope of the growth curve indicates possible continued growth with additional treatments. Disclosure Any of the authors act as a consultant, employee or shareholder of an industry for: AFFIRM Science.

Penetrative anal intercourse may require high axial loading forces.

Despite increases in the lifetime prevalence of anal intercourse, little is known about the safety of inflatable penile prosthesis use during anal intercourse or the forces required for anal penetration. We sought to determine the force required for anal penetration. A digital force gauge device was secured to a silicone phallus with a length and girth representative of the average male phallus in the United States and inserted into the anal canal of 6 male participants for a total of 5 measurements per participant. The maximum axial forces on insertion were recorded. Participants then completed a survey eliciting demographic information and past experience with receptive anal intercourse. The outcome measure was the force recorded during insertion of a force gauge device into the anal canal. The median maximal force recorded on anal penetration was 26.5N (2.7kg; range: 16.1-51.7N or 1.64-5.27kg). Participants who engaged in receptive anal intercourse more than once per month tended to use lesser median maximal forces (25.7N or 2.62kg) than participants who engaged less frequently in receptive anal intercourse (41.6N or 4.24kg). Compared with the forces required for vaginal penetration, anal penetration forces may cause additional mechanical stress to the phallus. While the study is limited primarily in its small sample size and in the use of a single device for anal penetration with a set size and rigidity, the resulting findings presented here are to our knowledge the first reported data pertaining the force required for anal penetration. As the forces required for anal penetration exceeded those for vaginal penetration, clinicians may need to carefully counsel patients on the safe use of an inflatable penile prosthesis for anal intercourse.

(040) Is it Hard Enough? Higher Axial Force is Necessary for Penetrative Anal Intercourse

Abstract Introduction Inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) remains the gold standard for surgical management of erectile dysfunction. Device buckling and malfunction represent a problem leading to patient dissatisfaction and high cost of care. While prior data suggests that the force needed for vaginal penetration (6.0 – 14.1 N) is typically below that at which prostheses begin to buckle (8.2 – 10.5 N), no data exists detailing the force needed for penetrative anal intercourse. Objective To evaluate the safety of IPP use with anal intercourse, especially for the population of men who have sex with men, we aim to determine the maximal axial loading force associated with anal penetration. Methods A hand-held force sensor device attached to a silicone rod with a length and girth representative of the average male phallus in the United States was inserted into the anal canal of six participants. The maximal axial loading force during penetration to a depth of six inches was recorded for a total of five measurements per participant. Participants then completed a survey eliciting demographic information and past experience with receptive anal intercourse. Results The average maximal force recorded across all participants was 30.3 N (16.1 – 51.7 N) [Figure 1]. By participant, average maximal forces ranged between 21.1 N – 49.4 N. All participants identified as homosexual men and had engaged in anal receptive intercourse within the past year. Participants who engaged in receptive anal intercourse more than once per month were with lesser average maximal forces (25.7 N) than those who less frequently engaged in receptive anal intercourse (42.0 N). Conclusions The average maximal force recorded during anal penetration exceeded the historically reported force required for vaginal penetration by a factor of 3.2 times, and that at which IPP buckling has been noted by a factor of 2.9 to 3.7 times [Table 1]. While the axial force required for anal penetration was lesser in those who more frequently engaged in receptive anal intercourse, this force still exceeded that at which IPP buckling can be seen. This study, while limited by sample size, highlights the necessity for further research investigating the efficacy and satisfaction associated with IPP implantation in those who engage in penetrative anal intercourse. Disclosure Any of the authors act as a consultant, employee or shareholder of an industry for: Antares Pharma; Clarus Therapeutics; Coloplast; Cynosure; Promescent; Sprout; Viome.

MP62-06 IS IT HARD ENOUGH? HIGHER AXIAL FORCE IS NECESSARY FOR PENETRATIVE ANAL INTERCOURSE

You have accessJournal of UrologyCME1 Apr 2023MP62-06 IS IT HARD ENOUGH? HIGHER AXIAL FORCE IS NECESSARY FOR PENETRATIVE ANAL INTERCOURSE Jake Miller, Charles Loeb, Justin La, Farouk El-Khatib, and Faysal Yafi Jake MillerJake Miller More articles by this author , Charles LoebCharles Loeb More articles by this author , Justin LaJustin La More articles by this author , Farouk El-KhatibFarouk El-Khatib More articles by this author , and Faysal YafiFaysal Yafi More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000003320.06AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) remains the gold standard for surgical management of erectile dysfunction. Device buckling and malfunction represent a problem leading to patient dissatisfaction and high cost of care. While prior data suggests that the force needed for vaginal penetration (6.0 – 14.1 N) is typically below that at which prostheses begin to buckle (8.2 – 10.5 N), no data exists detailing the force needed for penetrative anal intercourse. To evaluate the safety of IPP use with penetrative anal intercourse, we aim to determine the maximal axial loading force associated with anal penetration. METHODS: A hand-held force sensor device attached to a silicone rod with a length and girth representative of the average male phallus in the U.S. was inserted into the anal canal of six participants. The maximal axial loading force during penetration to a depth of six inches was recorded for a total of five measurements per participant. Participants then completed a survey eliciting past experience with receptive anal intercourse. RESULTS: The average maximal force recorded across all participants was 30.3 N (16.1 – 51.7 N). By participant, average maximal forces ranged between 21.1 N – 49.4 N. All participants identified as homosexual men and had engaged in anal receptive intercourse within the past year. Participants who engaged in receptive anal intercourse more than once per month were with lesser average maximal forces (25.7 N) than those who less frequently engaged in receptive anal intercourse (42.0 N). CONCLUSIONS: The average maximal force recorded during anal penetration exceeded the historically reported force required for vaginal penetration by a factor of 3.2 times, and that at which IPP buckling has been noted by a factor of 2.9 to 3.7 times (Table 1). While the axial force required for anal penetration was lesser in those who more frequently engaged in receptive anal intercourse, this force still exceeded that at which IPP buckling can be seen. This study, while limited by sample size, highlights the necessity for further research investigating the efficacy and satisfaction associated with IPP implantation in those who engage in penetrative anal intercourse. Source of Funding: None © 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 209Issue Supplement 4April 2023Page: e863 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Jake Miller More articles by this author Charles Loeb More articles by this author Justin La More articles by this author Farouk El-Khatib More articles by this author Faysal Yafi More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

What Drives Sex Toy Popularity? A Morphological Examination of Vaginally-Insertable Products Sold by the World’s Largest Sexual Wellness Company

ABSTRACT There is limited research into the morphology of sex toys, and specifically into (the often phallic-shaped) vibrators and dildos and what they may represent in terms of user preferences for male genital morphology. This study provides insight into consumer preference around vaginally insertable sex toys, their features, and what contributes to their popularity. Using a data set compiling information from the world’s largest online sexual wellness retailer Lovehoney, we examined the dimensions, price, and morphological features of 265 sex toys designed for vaginal insertion to determine what contributes to item popularity. Using regression models, we found that realistic features did not predict item popularity, whereas price (p < .001) and circumference (p = .01) significantly predicted the overall popularity of a toy. It appears that consumers show a preference for insertable sex toys that are not direct replicas of the male penis, which suggests they are not seeking a realistic partner substitute. Further, we found that the length of the toy did not significantly predict popularity which is consistent with other work showing that women do not place considerable emphasis on large phallus size. Our results can contribute to future product design and marketing, as well as reveal preferences toward particular characteristics of the phallus (whether real or toy).

Development of an in-vitro high-throughput screening system to identify modulators of genitalia development.

Sexually dimorphic outgrowth and differentiation of the embryonic genital tubercles (GTs) give rise to the penis in males and the clitoris in females. Defects in androgen production or in response to androgen signaling can lead to various congenital penile anomalies in both mice and humans. Due to lack of a high-throughput screening system, identification of crucial regulators of GT sexual differentiation has been slow. To overcome this research barrier, we isolated embryonic GT mesenchymal (GTme) cells to model genitalia growth and differentiation in vitro. Using either a mechanical or fluorescence-activated cell sorting-assisted purification method, GTme cells were isolated and assayed for their proliferation using a microscopy and image analysis system, on a single cell level over time. Male and female GTme cells inherently exhibit different cellular dynamics, consistent with their in-vivo behaviors. This system allows for the rapid quantitative analyses of numerous drug treatments, and enables the discovery of potential genetic modulators of GT morphogenesis on a large scale. Using this system, we completed a 438-compound library screen and identified 82 kinase inhibitor hits. In mice, in-utero exposure to one such candidate kinase inhibitor, Cediranib, resulted in embryos with severe genitalia defects, especially in males. Gene silencing by RNAi was optimized in this system, laying the foundation for future larger-scale genetic screenings. These findings demonstrate the power of this novel high-throughput system to rapidly and successfully identify modulators of genitalia growth and differentiation, expanding the toolbox for the study of functional genomics and environmental factors.

PMON33 Non-Syndromic SRY Negative 46 XX Testicular Disorder of Sex Development (DSD): A Rare Cause of Infertility

Abstract Introduction Male infertility can be categorized as endocrine and systemic disorders, primary testicular defects in spermatogenesis, sperm transport disorders and idiopathic male infertility. Chromosomal abnormalities are one of the primary testicular defects. The overall incidence of chromosome abnormalities in infertile men is estimated to be around 5.8%. XX male is a rare sex chromosomal disorder in infertile men. We present case of a young patient with infertility, azoospermia, hypergonadotropic hypogonadism and classical (46, XX) karyotype with negative FISH and SRY gene. Case report: 28-Year-old gentleman was referred to adult endocrinology clinic as part of work up for infertility. Initial work up included 2 semen analyses which were consistent with azoospermia. Examination revealed height 180 cm, weight 77 kg, a body mass index 24 kg/m2, normal phenotypic male without gynecomastia and had normal male pattern hair distribution. Genital examination showed normal male phallus without hypospadias, a hypoplastic scrotum, bilateral firm testes, with no varicocele or hydrocele. Labs were suggestive of compensated primary hypogonadism (FSH 47.9 mIU/ml, LH 20.4 mIU/ml, total testosterone 397.9 ng/dl by LC/MS, free testosterone 15.76 ng/dl by equilibrium dialysis, Inhibin B &amp;lt; 10 pg/ml, and anti-Mullerian hormone 0.390 ng/ml. Given normal testosterone levels, he was not started on testosterone replacement. Karyotype analysis revealed 46 XX and FISH was negative for SRY gene. CT imaging of abdomen and pelvis did not reveal any Mullerian structures, prostrate and seminal vesicles reported as normal. Patient met with a Urologist and was informed that testicular sperm extraction will not be a possibility for him. Patient had a detailed consultation with a geneticist for genetic and family counseling. Chromosome microarray analysis was obtained and was normal. Invitae Disorders of sex development (DSD) panel obtained for genetic sequencing of 53 genes including SOX-9, DHH, WNT4, WT1, was found to be non-diagnostic. Conclusion and Discussion SRY negative 46 XX male is a DSD and a rare genetic cause of male factor infertility, with a discrepancy between genotype and phenotypic sex. In the case presented, genetic work up for potential etiologies has been unrevealing. Further studies are needed to identify the genetic causes of the SRY negative 46 XX male phenotype. Physicians involved in care of these patients should orient with clinical management and prognosis. For Classical 46 XX Males seeking fertility, the current options include invitro-fertilization with donor sperm or adoption only. Testosterone replacement should be considered to correct hypogonadism for physical and sexual well-being. Genetic consultation should be sought in all these cases. Presentation: Monday, June 13, 2022 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

PMON33 Non-Syndromic SRY Negative 46 XX Testicular Disorder of Sex Development (DSD); A rare cause of Infertility

Abstract Introduction Male infertility can be categorized as endocrine and systemic disorders, primary testicular defects in spermatogenesis, sperm transport disorders and idiopathic male infertility. Chromosomal abnormalities are one of the primary testicular defects. The overall incidence of chromosome abnormalities in infertile men is estimated to be around 5.8%. XX male is a rare sex chromosomal disorder in infertile men. We present case of a young patient with infertility, azoospermia, hypergonadotropic hypogonadism and classical (46, XX) karyotype with negative FISH and SRY gene. Case report: 28-Year-old gentleman was referred to adult endocrinology clinic as part of work up for infertility. Initial work up included 2 semen analyses which were consistent with azoospermia. Examination revealed height 180 cm, weight 77 kg, a body mass index 24 kg/m2, normal phenotypic male without gynecomastia and had normal male pattern hair distribution. Genital examination showed normal male phallus without hypospadias, a hypoplastic scrotum, bilateral firm testes, with no varicocele or hydrocele. Labs were suggestive of compensated primary hypogonadism (FSH 47.9 mIU/ml, LH 20.4 mIU/ml, total testosterone 397.9 ng/dl by LC/MS, free testosterone 15.76 ng/dl by equilibrium dialysis, Inhibin B &amp;lt; 10 pg/ml, and anti-Mullerian hormone 0.390 ng/ml. Given normal testosterone levels, he was not started on testosterone replacement. Karyotype analysis revealed 46 XX and FISH was negative for SRY gene. CT imaging of abdomen and pelvis did not reveal any Mullerian structures, prostrate and seminal vesicles reported as normal. Patient met with a Urologist and was informed that testicular sperm extraction will not be a possibility for him. Patient had a detailed consultation with a geneticist for genetic and family counseling. Chromosome microarray analysis was obtained and was normal. Invitae Disorders of sex development (DSD) panel obtained for genetic sequencing of 53 genes including SOX-9, DHH, WNT4, WT1, was found to be non-diagnostic. Conclusion and Discussion SRY negative 46 XX male is a DSD and a rare genetic cause of male factor infertility, with a discrepancy between genotype and phenotypic sex. In the case presented, genetic work up for potential etiologies has been unrevealing. Further studies are needed to identify the genetic causes of the SRY negative 46 XX male phenotype. Physicians involved in care of these patients should orient with clinical management and prognosis. For Classical 46 XX Males seeking fertility, the current options include invitro-fertilization with donor sperm or adoption only. Testosterone replacement should be considered to correct hypogonadism for physical and sexual well-being. Genetic consultation should be sought in all these cases. Presentation: Monday, June 13, 2022 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

A visualization system for erectile vascular dynamics.

Erection is an essential process which requires the male penis for copulation. This copulatory process depends on the vascular dynamic regulation of the penis. The corpus cavernosum (CC) in the upper (dorsal) part of the penis plays a major role in regulating blood flow inside the penis. When the CC is filled with blood, the sinusoids, including micro-vessels, dilate during erection. The CC is an androgen-dependent organ, and various genital abnormalities including erectile dysfunction (ED) are widely known. Previous studies have shown that androgen deprivation by castration results in significantly decreased smooth muscles of the CC. Experimental works in erectile biology have previously measured intracavernosal penile pressure and mechanical tension. Such reports analyze limited features without assessing the dynamic aspects of the erectile process. In the current study, we established a novel explant system enabling direct visual imaging of the sinusoidal lumen to evaluate the dynamic movement of the cavernous space. To analyze the alternation of sinusoidal spaces, micro-dissected CC explants by patent blue dye injection were incubated and examined for their structural alternations during relaxation/contraction. The dynamic process of relaxation/contraction was analyzed with various external factors administered to the CC. The system enabled the imaging of relaxation/contraction of the lumens of the sinusoids and the collagen-containing tissues. Histological analysis on the explant system also showed the relaxation/contraction. Thus, the system mimics the regulatory process of dynamic relaxation/contraction in the erectile response. The current system also enabled evaluating the erectile pathophysiology. In the current study, the lumen of sinusoids relaxed/contracted in castrated mice similarly with normal mice. These results suggested that the dynamic erectile relaxation/contraction process was similarly retained in castrated mice. However, the system also revealed decreased duration time of erection in castrated mice. The current study is expected to promote further understanding of the pathophysiology of ED, which will be useful for new treatments in the future. Hence, the current system provides unique information to investigate the novel regulations of erectile function, which can provide tools for analyzing the pathology of ED.

First report of the genus Liara (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae: Conocephalinae: Agraeciini) from Guangxi, China with description of two new species

Based on specimens collected in 2022 and housed in the Guangxi Normal University the genus Liara is recorded from Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region for the first time. Two new species are described: Liara (Acanthocoryphus) axinis sp. nov. (Chinese name: ) and Liara (Liara) guangxiensis sp. nov. (Chinese name: ). We provide the morphological photographs of male phallus of Liara (Liara) shii Liu & Bian, 2021.

The "Acoustic Mirror": Reframing the Maternal Voice in the Hebrew Lullaby

The "Acoustic Mirror":Reframing the Maternal Voice in the Hebrew Lullaby Lilach Lachman (bio) What leads to sleep has the shape of rhythm, of regularity and repetition. … The only processes that belong to sleep are those of respiration and circulation. … When it goes to sleep, the body is rocked to the rhythm of its heart and lungs. … Rocking movements put us to sleep because sleep in its essence is itself a rocking, not a stable motionless state. Lullaby: one charms, one enchants, one puts mistrust to sleep before putting wakefulness itself to sleep, one gently guides to nowhere—swing low, sweet chariot, coming for to carry me home. In this meditation on the lullaby, Jean Luc Nancy (2009, pp. 29–30) engages a rhythmic mode of being that departs from the waking self and detaches itself from the "you" and from the world. The "lullaby" that performs the night ritual, within both body and soul, approximates a primal world, measured only by the repeated beat of "respiration and circulation," which puts wakefulness to sleep. Nancy's phenomenological narrative of dropping into an endless pursuit of an imaginary "home" does not sound alien to our ears. Even though we are subjected to the mechanism of social media and at times deprived of biological and cosmic rhythms, many of us have often entered sleep with some sort of lullaby. The "swaying of the world which makes the cradle" on which Nancy reflects may be familiar to us both as (grand) parents and as adults who have been blessed with some kind of early lulling experience. We may note that the dumb rhythmic signals ("respiration and circulation," "cadence," "rocking") mentioned in the above passage are all vocalized by means of the lulling or [End Page 485] lulled voice: swing low, sweet chariot, coming for to carry me home.1 The voice that is to wrap the sleeper who resists sleep may be attributed either to the one attending them or to the sleeper herself who has interiorized the lull. In her book, The Acoustic Mirror (1988), Kaja Silverman, the cinema and psychoanalytic theorist, conceptualizes the image of the infant held within the sphere of the mother's voice; she clearly genders this primary experience and characterizes it as a "blanket of sound, extending on all sides of the newborn infant" (p. 72). Viewed from the site of the unconscious, this image is commonly considered an emblem of infantile plenitude and bliss. Silverman cites the "sonorous envelope" (Rosolato 1974 and Doane, 1980) that "surrounds and cherishes the child," a "mobile receptacle" that absorbs the infant's "anaclitic facilitations" (Kristeva, 1986), and a "bath of sounds" (Anzieu, 1976) as variants of an overruling trope that turns upon "the image of infantile containment" held within the environment of the mother's voice (Silverman, 1988, p. 73). Vital to Silverman's argument is the assumption that this containing trope grows out of a cultural male fantasy that is evident in both recent psychoanalytic theory and classic cinema. Significantly, Silverman has shifted the theory's center of gravity from Freud's focus on the father and from Jacques Lacan's mirror phase, to the maternal voice.2 The Acoustic Mirror and the Lullaby: Between Paternal and Maternal In parallel to Lacan's (1977) "mirror stage" that entails a "misidentification" that allows the forming of the "imaginary" within the infant's development, Silverman (1988) posits the experience of hearing another voice. This auditory voice echoes, responds, and produces new sounds in the duet played when language begins to form in children's mouths and brains as they start acquiring speech and articulating emotion. Not only does Silverman replace Lacan's emphasis on the visual with the vitality of the oral, but instead of Lacan's emphasis on the absent male phallus, Silverman highlights the role of the maternal voice. On the one hand, by means of voice, the subject enters [End Page 486] language and thereby relinquishes themself; the materialization of voice is accordingly accompanied by phenomenological loss. On the other hand, the birth of desire often enacts an aspiration toward authoring discourse. The maternal voiceover, which Silverman detects in Hollywood films, is often first heard in lullabies. The...

A male neonate failing to thrive with an endocrine disorder

Abstract Failure to thrive (FTT) is weight consistently below the 3rd to 5th percentile for age and sex, progressive decrease in weight to below the 3rd to 5th percentile, or a decrease in two major growth percentiles in a short period. The cause may be an identified medical condition, may be related to environmental factors, or may be multifactorial. Congenital adrenal hypoplasia (CAH), an endocrine disorder, is a rare cause of FTT in the newborn. We report a male neonate with FTT secondary to suspected CAH, salt-losing form. The case is reported to orient clinicians to have a high index of suspicion for any neonate who is failing to thrive. A 25-day-old male neonate presented with a history of poor weight gain. Weight at presentation was 2.8 kg, and birth weight was 3.7 kg (had lost 24% of birth weight). Mother is a 35-year-old Para 3 (3 Alive) woman who had a good appetite and was lactating well. Initial random blood sugar (RBS) was 117 mg/dL, but within minutes, she was observed to be unconscious, with a repeat RBS of 39 mg/dL. A thorough physical examination revealed a hyperpigmented male phallus with a stretched penile length of 4.8 cm and testicular volume of 2 cm3 using a standard orchidometer. Investigation results revealed hyponatremia, hyperkalemia, metabolic acidosis, with normal urea and creatinine levels. Full blood count parameters were essentially within the normal range. Serum cortisol, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, serum testosterone, and serum dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate were not done. The patient was managed conservatively with dextrose-containing fluid and correction of electrolyte derangement. Weight was 2.7 kg on discharge. Weight on follow-up was 3.2 kg.

Testing Morphological Relationships Between Female and Male Copulatory Structures in Bats.

The lower reproductive tract of female mammals has several competing functions including mating, tract health maintenance, and parturition. Diverse vaginal anatomy suggests interactions between natural and sexual selection, yet despite its importance, female copulatory morphology remains under-studied. We undertook a comparative study across the species-rich mammalian order Chiroptera (bats) with a focus on the suborder Yangochiroptera (Vespertilioniformes) to examine how female vaginal features may have coevolved with male penis morphology to minimize mechanical damage to their tissues during copulation. The penis morphology is diverse, presenting great potential for post-copulatory sexual selection and coevolution with the female morphology, but vaginas have not been carefully examined. Here we test the hypotheses that vaginal thickness and collagen density have coevolved with features of the male penis including the presence of spines and a baculum. We present histological data from females of 24 species from 7 families of bats, and corresponding data on male penis anatomy. We also examine the role of phylogenetic history in the morphological patterns we observe. We found evidence that female vaginal thickness has coevolved with the presence of penile spines, but not with baculum presence or width. Collagen density did not appear to covary with male penile features. Our findings highlight the importance of considering interactions between the sexes in influencing functional reproductive structures and examine how these structures have been under selection in bats.

The physiology of polar bear mating (Ursus maritimus)

The well‐being of any species depends on successful reproduction, so the study of mating is essential, mainly to prevent the extinction of rare animals. In the process of evolution, each new species has adapted to environmental conditions in the struggle for survival through the morphological and physiological characteristics of the reproductive anatomy. Polar bear mating lasts 10‐20 minutes and corresponds to uterine insemination, but the description of the physiology of polar bear mating is lacking due to technical difficulties. Studies of the penis of a polar bear during an erection caused by the impact of electrical impulses of an electro‐ejaculator on the pudendal and external spermatic nerves and smooth muscles of the genital organs before reaching ejaculation to obtain sperm suggest how this happens. We studied the manifestation of sexual reflexes in a male polar bear (Ursus maritimus), age 10 years. The bear was kept in the Kazan Zoo from birth and did not participate in mating. An electro‐ejaculator was used to collect sperm. We have established the following features: the penis was covered entirely with a prepuce (praeputium) in a not erect state. The length of the penis is 19 cm. It practically does not change due to the presence of the os penis, which is 18.6 cm long and extends into the head of the penis. The diameter of the body of the penis is 1.5 cm. Initially, the head was 2 cm in diameter, two plates stood out on it, filling with blood during an erection. The opening of the urogenital canal (canalis urogenitalis) extends with its free end outside the head and has soft processes at the end of the canal. The length of the processes of the free end of the canal is 6 mm, and the width of their bifurcation is 4 mm. During an erection, the shape and size of the body of the penis (corpus spondiosum glandis) change and increase. The spongy body of the glans penis swells like a conus from the main shaft with the broadest part at the end. It has a length of 4 cm. The upper part is like an ellipse inclined at an angle of 45 degrees to the plane of the cone. Further, the head of the penis (glans penis) increases and takes the form of a straight cone with swollen urogenital canal sponges about 20 mm long, 10 mm in diameter at the base, 15 mm at the end. In the upper part, the funnel has an outer diameter of 40 mm, takes an angle of almost 90 degrees to the shaft of the penis, looks like a hand pump cuff. It can be assumed that the function of the swollen sponges is to ensure maximum passage of seminal fluid through the cervix, which is 15 mm long and opens during mating, and to prevent sperm leakage during insemination. They close the backflow of seminal fluid from the body of the uterus. During intercourse, the ejaculate pours into the vagina and partly irrigates the cervix. During coitus, it occurs from 3 involuntary muscle contractions of the body, which indicate stepped ejaculation (in portions). However, polar bears should be regarded as animals with uterine type of insemination, the highly swelling glans of the male penis, poorly covered by the walls of the vagina, acts on the principle of a piston. The penis pushes ejaculate from the vagina into the uterus.

“The Boy Has to Be a Man in Order for Life to Start”: AmaXhosa, Black Boyhood Studies, and the Anthropology of Boyhoods

ABSTRACT Contemporary and historically focused social science studies of amaXhosa (Xhosa) men have focused predominantly on Xhosa men attaining manhood through ritualised initiation (ulwaluko) and heterosexual homemaking (ukwakha umzi). These studies have left critical knowledge gaps of the pre-initiation lives of Xhosa men throughout the lifecycle, along with processes of socialisation. Based on ethnographic fieldwork spanning over a year (2013–2014) conducted in rural and peri-urban Peddie in the Eastern Cape, my ethnography shows the necessity of examining the formation of Xhosa masculinities prior to ulwaluko. My research illustrates the importance of boyhood kwaXhosa. I argue that Xhosa masculinities are viable long before initiation and that it is not in manhood that “life” starts for men as one of my research interlocutors, Mthuthu, alluded. My ethnography necessarily challenges recent theorisations and conceptualisations of Xhosa masculinities as well as older canonical writings as far as they place primacy on the initiated Xhosa male phallus in the attainment of masculinity. I argue for scholarly consideration of the nuances and complexities of being a boy. Although there is a developing corpus of work from Black Boyhood studies, I note the limitations of this field especially for its rootedness in the North American Black boyhood experiences that do not have the cultural context of ulwaluko. Ultimately, I argue for an Anthropology of Boyhoods. Through concentrated effort on boyhood, in the study of masculinities, ultimately we can attain more contextual, varied and multifaceted experiences of how men experience masculinity across the life course.