Scrotal Bag Research Articles

Echogenicity of different structures of the scrotal bag in rams: effect of age, injuries and sexual activity

The purpose of this research was to characterise the echogenicity of the different structures within the scrotal bag in rams. Three studies that included 43 rams were conducted. Ultrasound sections (US) were made with the Mindray® equipment. It was found that pubertal males showed greater echogenicity (P<0.05) in testes and the pampiniform plexus, whereas prepubertal males (P<0.05) - in the epididymis and in the right pampiniform plexus. Rams in mating showed the highest echogenicity values (P<0.05). In non-mating animals, the highest values were found in the epididymis (P<0.05). Rams with injuries presented higher echogenicity in testes (P<0.05). In pampiniform plexuses, males without injuries demonstrated the highest values (P<0.05). A high and positive correlation (P<0.0001) was found between the evaluated variables, specifically the right cranial longitudinal (RCL), right proximal transverse (RPT), right medial transverse (RMT), right distal transverse (RDT) measures. Echotexture in rams was affected by age, presence of injuries and sexual activity. In addition, the high correlation suggests that the evaluation of testicular health in rams could be carried out only with several US.

Changes in miRNA levels of sperm and small extracellular vesicles of seminal plasma are associated with transient scrotal heat stress in bulls

Scrotal heat stress affects spermatogenesis and impairs male fertility by increasing sperm morphological abnormalities, oxidative stress and DNA fragmentation. While sperm morpho-functional changes triggered by scrotal heat stress are well described, sperm molecular alterations remain unknown. Recently, spermatozoa were described as accumulating miRNAs during the last steps of spermatogenesis and through epididymis transit, mainly by communication with small extracellular vesicles (sEVs). Herein, the aim was to investigate the impact of scrotal heat stress in miRNAs profile of sperm, as well as, seminal plasma sEVs. Six Nelore bulls (Bos indicus) were divided into two groups: Control (CON; n = 3) and Scrotal Heat Stress (SHS; n = 3; scrotal heat stressed during 96 h by scrotal bags). The day that the scrotal bags were removed from SHS group was considered as D0 (Day zero). Seminal plasma sEVs were isolated from semen samples collected seven days after heat stress (D+7) to evaluate sEVs diameter, concentration, and 380 miRNA levels. Sperm morpho-functional features and profile of 380 miRNAs were evaluated from semen collected 21 days after heat stress (D+21). As a control, sEVs and sperm were analyzed seven days before heat stress (D-7). Only semen parameters that were not significantly different (P > 0.05) among bulls on D-7 were addressed on D+7 and D+21. While no alterations in diameter and concentration were detected in sEVs on D+7 between CON and SHS groups, three sEVs-miRNAs (miR-23b-5p, −489 and −1248) were down-regulated in SHS bulls compared to CON on D+7; other three (miR-126-5p, −656 and −1307) displayed a tendency (0.05 < P < 0.10) to be altered. Sperm oxidative stress was higher, and the level of 21 sperm miRNAs was altered (18 down-, 3 up-regulated) in SHS bulls compared to CON on D+21. Functional analysis indicated that target genes involved in transcription activation, as well as cell proliferation and differentiation were related to the 18 down-regulated sperm miRNAs (miR-9-5p, −15a, −18a, −20b, −30a-5p, −30b-5p, −30d, −30e-5p −34b, −34c, −106b, -126-5p, −146a, −191, −192, −200b, −335 and −449a). Thus, the scrotal heat stress probably impacted testicular and epididymis functions by reducing the levels of a substantial proportion of sEVs and sperm miRNAs. Our findings suggest that miR-126-5p was possibly trafficked between sEVs and sperm and provide new insights on the mechanism by which sperm acquire miRNAs in the last stages of spermatogenesis and sperm maturation in cattle.

Aesthetic Scrotoplasty: Systematic Review and a Proposed Treatment Algorithm for the Management of Bothersome Scrotum in Adults.

Increased scrotal laxity is a poorly defined entity often associated with discomfort while wearing loose clothes, walking, doing sports and during intercourse. In our experience, this condition is produced by an enlarged scrotal bag hanging more than 1-2cm below the tip of the penis and can be associated with persistent penoscrotal webbing. Our objective was to perform a systematic literature review addressing the diversity of this entity and its surgical treatment, as well as propose a diagnostic and therapeutic approach. A systematic search strategy was performed following PRISMA guidelines under the terms: Scrotum(Mesh), Plastic Surgery(Mesh), Reduction Surgery, Scrotoplasty, Ventral Phalloplasty, Scrotomegaly, Penoscrotal Web, Webbed Penis(Mesh), Scrotal Lifting, Scrotopexy and Scrotal Tuck. Articles referring to scrotum reduction or plasty in male genital rejuvenation context and ventral phalloplasty related to adult penoscrotal webbing correction were considered eligible for analysis. A management algorithm and surgical technique is proposed along with the results. A total of 1430 articles were found. After removing duplicates and applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 11 articles were eligible for analysis. Most articles corresponded to case reports or surgical technique descriptions. Based on correcting excessive scrotal skin and/or penoscrotal webbing, we propose a vertical midline scrotal skin resection and a penoscrotal junction Z plasty, respectively. Aesthetic scrotoplasty and scrotal rejuvenation surgical techniques still remain as entities poorly addressed in the international literature. More reported experiences are needed in order to complement our proposed management algorithm and develop a nomenclature, diagnostic and treatment consensus. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 . Genital Surgery.

Left inguinal hernia: Orchidectomy in adult man

Cryptorchidism is testicular arrest at some point in the theoretical migration path to its definitive location (the scrotal bag). There are many triggers, which can be unilateral or bilateral, with an increased risk of developing germ cell tumors. Cryptorchidism is a frequent pathology in the pediatric population; however, our report corresponds to a 34-year-old adult man, constituting an unusual event.

Inflammatory effects of patagonfibrase, a metalloproteinase from Philodryas patagoniensis (Patagonia Green Racer; Dipsadidae) venom

Patagonfibrase is a P-III class metalloproteinase isolated from the venom of Philodryas patagoniensis, a South-American, rear-fanged 'colubrid' snake responsible for accidents with clinical significance. Since local inflammatory reactions are conspicuous signs of snakebites inflicted by this species and taking into consideration that most snake venom metalloproteinases exhibit inflammatory activity, this study deals with the proinflammatory effects evoked by patagonfibrase. Herein, we demonstrate that patagonfibrase causes a time- and dose-dependent hemorrhagic edema when injected into mouse hind paws. The peak of edema occurred at 30 min after injection, and the minimum edematogenic dose was 0.021 μg. By histological analysis, the presence of moderate to marked edema and hemorrhage, and a mild inflammatory infiltrate was observed. When injected subcutaneously into the scrotal bag of mice, patagonfibrase induced cell recruitment with a significant alteration in physiological parameters of leukocyte-endothelium interaction. The presence of 1 mmol/L o-phenanthroline, which chelates metal ions, significantly inhibited the proinflammatory effects induced by patagonfibrase. Taken together, these results imply that patagonfibrase is an important contributor to local inflammation elicited by P. patagoniensis envenomation, which may pave the way for novel therapeutic strategies to treat this snakebite. Moreover, our findings demonstrate for the first time that a venom metalloproteinase from a rear-fanged snake elicits proinflammatory effects mainly mediated by its catalytic activity.

Inguinal-scrotal herniation and torsion of the large colon in an adult Andalusian stallion: a case report

A 3-year-old Andalusian stallion was referred to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the University of Cordoba due to acute onset of colic pain. At admission, the horse presented a pronounced distension of the inguinal and scrotal region which was cold and painful on palpation. On rectal palpation no small intestine gas distention was noticed, and the left large colon was detected protruding into the left internal inguinal ring. The percutaneous scrotal sonogram showed an intestinal loop which had moved into the scrotal bag close to the left testicle. The horse was diagnosed with indirect acquired left inguinal hernia. The necropsy revealed an impacted and twisted pelvic flexure in the vaginal space. To the authors' knowledge, this report is the first that describes a clinical case of inguinal-scrotal herniation and torsion of the pelvic flexure into the inguinal canal in an adult stallion associated with an impaction of the ascending colon.

Ultrasonographic Fetal Sex Identification in Pregnant Sheep Derived from Natural Mating and Embryo Transfer

The objective of this study was to identify the migration period of the genital tubercle and the period of visualization of external genital structures in fetuses of the Dorper breed of sheep derived from natural mating and from fresh, frozen and vitrified embryo transfer. Transrectal ultrasound was performed using a double-frequency linear transducer (6.0 and 8.0 MHz) to monitor 130 ewe fetuses distributed in the four treatments regarding embryo origin. The accuracy of the ultrasound was 100% in this experiment. The fetuses originated from controlled natural mating (NM) and from fresh (FrE), frozen (FE) and vitrified (VE) embryo transfer, with embryos collected 7 days after breeding. Migration of the genital tubercle occurred earlier (P<0.05) in NM (42.21+/-2.86 days) than in FrE (43.98+/-3.00 days), FE (44.97+/-1.83 days) and VE (44.58+/-1.97 days). Visualization of the scrotal bag, prepuce and vulva occurred, respectively, earlier (P<0.05) in NM (45.22+/-1.25, 45.95+/-1.53 and 45.01+/-1.03 days) than in FrE (48.91+/-1.92, 48.52+/-1.41 and 47.41+/-1.41 days), FE (49.97+/-1.08, 49.18+/-2.00 and 47.64+/-1.82 days) and VE (50.12+/-1.66, 49.27+/-1.61 and 47.93+/-1.92 days). The results show that fetal sexing can be accomplished from the 50th day onward in fetuses produced by natural mating and from the 55th day onward in fetuses derived from fresh, frozen and vitrified embryos. It can also be concluded that real-time ultrasonography is a reliable tool for fetal sex determination in sheep taking into account both the location of the genital tubercle and the identification of external genital structures.

SEXAGEM FETAL PELA ULTRA-SONOGRAFIA IDENTIFICANDO-SE O TUBÉRCULO GENITAL OU A GENITÁLIA EXTERNA DE CAPRINOS DA RAÇA ALPINA AMERICANA

The aim of this study was to diagnostic previously the gender of American Alpine fetuses by ultrasonography identifying the final position of the genital tubercle (GT) or viewing the anatomical structures of external genitalia, as well as to evaluate the accuracy of fetal sexing by single or repeated exams. In Group I (GI), the gender was defined by the final position of the GT and in Group II (GII) by the anatomical structures of external genitalia. The exami¬nations were carried out with an ultrasound device by via transrectal equipped with a linear transducer with 6.0 and 8.0 MHz. In GI, 52 fetuses of 32 goats were monitored each 12 hours, from 40th to the 60th day of pregnancy. In GII, the examination was performed only once in 34 fetuses of 24 goats with pregnancy between 45 and 70 days. The accuracy in GI was 100% in single, 87.5% in twin and 66.7% in triple pregnancy, with significant difference (P 0.05) between single and twin pregnancies. The final migration of GT occured on the 46.4 ± 2.1 days of pregnancy. The results allow to conclude that ultrasonography is a suitable method to early diagnostic the fetal sex by visualization of final position of GT or by identification of external genitalia structures and that repeated exams did not increase the accuracy of fetal sexing on the multiple pregnancy. KEY-WORDS: Nipples, prepuce, scrotal bag, vulva

DETERMINAÇÃO DO PERÍODO DE MIGRAÇÃO DO TUBÉRCULO GENITAL NA SEXAGEM PRECOCE DE FETOS OVINOS DAS RAÇAS DAMARA, SANTA INÊS E 3/4 DAMARA-SANTA INÊS

The objective was to determine the genital tubercle (GT) migration period to establish the ideal timing for sexing fetus from Damara, Santa Ines and 3/4 crossbred Damara-Santa Ines (¾ D-SI) breeds by ultrasound. The transrectal ultrasound was performed with a double frequency linear transducer (6.0 and 8.0 MHz) every 24 hours from day 30 to day 60 of pregnancy. The GT migration period ranged from 38 to 51 days in Damara fetus, 37 to 46 days in Santa Ines fetus and from 36 to 45 days in ¾ SI-D fetus. The mean GT migration period was 45.0 ± 3.0, 42.0 ± 2.0 and 39.2 ± 2.3 days for Damara, Santa Ines and ¾ D-SI fetus, respectively. There was a breed difference on GT migration period. It was earlier (P < 0.05) for ¾ D-SI fetus than Damara and Santa Ines fetus and it was later (P < 0.05) for fetus from the breed Damara as compared to Santa Ines fetus. The accuracy of fetus sexing in single pregnancies (100%) was higher than (P < 0.05) double pregnancies (88.5%). In conclusion, the GT migration period differs among Damara, Santa Ines and ¾ D-SI breeds. Moreover, the ideal time for sexing fetus from these breeds is from day 50 of pregnancy and the accuracy of the ultrasound examination is compromised by double pregnancies. KEY WORDS: Genital swelling, nipples, prepuce, scrotal bag, ultra-sonography.

Sexagem fetal em ovelhas Santa Inês por ultra-sonografia

O presente estudo teve a finalidade de identificar o sexo e de determinar o dia da migração do tubérculo genital (TG) de fetos ovinos através da ultra-sonografia em tempo real. O sexo foi identificado no Experimento I (EI) levando-se em consideração a localização do TG e no Experimento II (EII), a presença do pênis, prepúcio e bolsa escrotal no feto macho e das tetas, vulva e clitóris no feto fêmea. No EI, as fêmeas (n=17) foram monitoradas em intervalos de 12 horas, do 35o ao 46o dia de gestação, por via transretal com transdutor linear (6,0 e 8,0 MHz). No EII, as fêmeas (n=30) com gestação de 55 a 75 dias foram examinadas apenas uma vez, utilizando-se o mesmo transdutor e via de exame do EI. Das 17 fêmeas do EI, 11 (64,6%) tiveram seus fetos corretamente sexados, independente da gestação ter sido simples (7/11), dupla (3/11) ou tríplice (1/11). Nas 6 (35,4%) gestações restantes, 3 (17,7%) foram duplas, sendo impossível sexar um feto de cada gestação. Nas outras 3 (17,7%) gestações, os fetos foram corretamente sexados, apesar dos nascimentos não coincidirem com a quantificação. Num feto macho de uma gestação simples, a migração ocorreu no 37° dia e até o 46°, todos os fetos das outras gestações estavam corretamente sexados. Das 30 fêmeas do EII, 16 (53,4%) apresentaram gestações simples e a acurácia da sexagem foi de 100%. Nas 14 (46,6%) restantes, as gestações foram duplas, sendo impossível, em quatro casos, determinar o sexo de, pelo menos, um dos gêmeos. De todos os fetos nascidos, a acurácia geral da sexagem foi de 88,0% (EI) e 90,9% (EII), não sendo observada diferença (P&gt;0,05) entre ambos os experimentos. Os resultados permitem concluir que a ultra-sonografia em tempo real é um método eficiente para diagnosticar o sexo fetal pela visualização do TG, assim como pela identificação do pênis, prepúcio e bolsa escrotal no feto macho e das tetas, vulva e clitóris no feto fêmea, desde que os exames sejam realizados a partir do 50o dia de gestação.