Position Of Testes Research Articles

Testicular morphometry and prevalence of cryptorchidism among three goat breeds in Southern Nigeria

This study determined the testicular morphometry of three goat breeds namely: Borno Sahel (BS), Red Sokoto (RS) and West African Dwarf (WAD). Testicular morphometric traits measured were scrotal circumference (cm), length (cm) and weight (kg). In addition, incidence of cryptorchidism was monitored by palpating the scrotum and noting number of descended testes as well as position of non-descended testes in individual goats among the breeds. A total of 90 goats (30 per breed) aged between 1 and 3 years old were used in the study. Data obtained from the study were subjected to one - way analysis of variance (ANOVA) for Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Significant means were separated using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test. Result showed that WAD goat had the highest mean scrotal circumference (23.11cm) and testicular length (14.38 cm) with significant difference (p<0.05). The effect of age showed that 3 years old goat bucks had the highest testicular length (17.25 cm) and testicular circumference (26.97cm) with significant difference (p<0.01), while 1 year old bucks had the heaviest testicular weight (13.9 kg). Correlation analysis showed a strong positive (0.741) relationship between the testicular length, circumference and weight and body weight of the goats. There were comparable results on the effect of age and breed and their interaction on their testicular morphometry. Out of 90 bucks examined, three bucks were found to be unilaterally cryptorchids on the right testis; two in Borno Sahel breed (6.67 %) and one in the Red Sokoto breed (3.33%). The West African Dwarf goats, by reason of their heavier testicles, had better sperm production and storage capacity in the study area than the Red Sokoto and Borno Sahel breeds. The study concluded that the high degree of association between body weight and scrotal length, scrotal circumference and testicular weight of bucks implied that goats can be selected for scrotal traits based on their body weight. Similarly, scrotal morphometry of goat bucks in Calabar is a good indication of their breeding soundness. Key words: Breeding, genetic, goat breeds, sperm production, testicular morphometry, reproduction

Utility of diffusion weighted Magnetic Resonance Imagining to detect non-palpable undescended testis.

To assess the effectiveness of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) in the detection of non-palpable undescended testis (NPUT) and to compare DW-MRI results with surgical findings. This descriptive, cross-sectional study was carried out at Dow Institute of Radiology, Dow University of Health Sciences. Karachi on a cohort of patients who underwent DW-MRI for suspected NPUT between 15th September, 2022 to 16th March, 2023. The study included 175 boys below the age of 16 years with history of clinically non-palpable testes. MRI scans were acquired using additional DWI sequence. Two radiology faculty of more than five years of experience independently evaluated the DW-MRI images for the presence or absence of testes in its normal anatomical position, abnormal location, side and size of testes. Out of the 175 patients, DW-MRI successfully detected 128 (73.1%) non-palpable undescended testes. Statistical analysis in clinically detected cases of showed sensitivity of NPTU 0.8%, specificity of 92.5%, diagnostic accuracy 94.29%, positive predictive value 97.7%, and negative predictive value 84.1% for localizing undescended testes with Diffusion Weighted DW-MRI taking surgical findings as gold standard. DWI sequences complement the conventional MRI, increasing its sensitivity and diagnostic accuracy. By facilitating early and accurate diagnosis, DW-MRI has the potential to streamline patient management, reduce unnecessary surgical exploration, and ultimately improve the long-term reproductive health and quality of life for individuals with undescended testes.

Undescended Testes Growth Potential in Relation to Testis Position from Diagnosis until Puberty.

Background: Testicular volume (TV) and testicular atrophy index (TAI) were used to determine criteria for normal, hypotrophic and atrophic undescended testes (UDT). Objectives: This study aimed to determine changes in TV and TAI in patients with different types of UDT. Materials and Methods: 182 boys (aged 0.3-14.0 years) with 212 UDTs were assessed twice 24 months apart. Testes were unilateral (UCT) or bilateral canalicular (BCT) and intra-abdominal (IAT). Results: At the beginning of the observation, the highest TAI was observed in IAT and the lowest in the BCT group (38.1 vs. 12.5%, p < 0.05). After 2 years, the highest TAI was observed in the BCT and IAT groups (20.5 and 19.1%), while the lowest was in the UCT group (12.0%, p < 0.05). At the beginning and after 2 years, the highest TAI was observed in boys aged < 6 years (25.0%, 18.2%) and the lowest in pubertal boys aged 12-14 years (5.9%, 7.3%, p < 0.05). A total of 78.3% of patients at the beginning and 86.8% at the end of the observation had TAI < 30%. Furthermore, 7% of boys at the beginning and 3% at the end of the observation had TAI > 50%. IATs have the highest testicular growth potential (TGP), while BCTs have the lowest (120.0 vs. 28.6%, p < 0.05). The highest TGP was in boys aged < 3 years (100%, p < 0.05) and boys aged 12-14 years (98.1%, p < 0.05), while the lowest was in boys aged 9-10.9 years (19.5%, p < 0.05). Conclusions: We revealed the continuous growth of UDTs until puberty independently of their position. IATs revealed high growth potential.

Ipsilateral and contralateral patent processus vaginalis in pediatric patients with a unilateral nonpalpable testis.

This study aimed to investigate the incidence of patent processus vaginalis (PPV) in pediatric patients with a unilateral nonpalpable testis and explore the associated factors. From May 2014 to April 2017, 152 boys who were diagnosed with a unilateral nonpalpable testis and underwent laparoscopy in Shanghai Children's Hospital (Shanghai, China) were included in this study. The data were collected and reviewed, and the results were analyzed regarding the age at operation, side, development, and position of the nonpalpable testis. The mean age of the patients was 2.6 (standard deviation: 2.3) years. The testis was absent in 14 cases, nonviable in 81 cases, and viable in 57 cases. The incidence of PPV was 37.5% (57 of 152) on the ipsilateral side and 16.4% (25 of 152) on the contralateral side. The ipsilateral PPV was more prevalent when the nonpalpable testis occurred on the right side (P < 0.01). Besides, patients with a viable testis had a greater incidence of ipsilateral PPV than those with a nonviable or absent testis (P < 0.01). Moreover, this rate was the highest when the testis was in the abdominal cavity and the lowest when the testis was in the scrotum (both P < 0.01). However, the incidence of contralateral PPV was independent of all the factors. In conclusion, in children with a nonpalpable testis, the incidence of an ipsilateral PPV was significantly related to the side, development, and position of the testis, while it was independent of these factors on the contralateral side.

Medium-Term Results of Staged Laparoscopic Traction Orchiopexy for Intra-abdominal Testes: A Multicenter Analysis

BackgroundStaged laparoscopic traction orchiopexy (SLTO) is a novel technique for the intra-abdominal testis (IAT) based on elongation of the testicular vessels without separating them. This multicenter study evaluated the medium-term results of this technique. MethodsData of SLTO performed in three pediatric surgical centers between 2013 and 2020 were analyzed retrospectively. In 2021, physical and Doppler ultrasound examinations were performed to determine the position and viability of testes. Success was defined as an intra-scrotal testicle without atrophy. ResultsSLTO was performed on 48 cases (55 testes, 7 bilateral). Mean age at first stage was 2.9 (0.8–12.6) years. High intra-abdominal testes were found in 16.4% and in 60% morphological abnormalities were observed. To fix the testes to the abdominal wall monofilament suture was used in 67.3%, braided in 29.1%. Mean time between the two stages was 16.4 weeks; three testes required redo traction.Perioperative complications occurred in 21 patients (38.2%) including insufficient fixation (11), testicular atrophy (4), wound complications (4), adhesion of the spermatic cords (1) and hydrocele (1). In case of insufficient fixation monofilament sutures were used in 90.9%.In 2021 38 patients (43 testes) had physical and 36 patients (41 testes) had ultrasound examinations. Mean follow-up was 2.7 (0.34–7.9) years. Altogether five atrophies were identified, and three testicular ascents (7.0%) occurred. The overall success rate was 82.2%. ConclusionsSLTO may be a feasible alternative to conventional treatments of IATs. Additionally, braided suture seems to be a better option to fix the testicle to the abdominal wall. Level of EvidenceLEVEL IV.

Standardized single-stage laparoscopic Fowler-Stephens orchiopexy regardless of testis position: Modification of technique eliminates the need for intra-operative decision-making.

It is generally perceived that a primary laparoscopic orchiopexy has superior outcomes due to preservation of the testicular artery, and thus should be the choice when achievable. The two-stage laparoscopic Fowler-Stephens orchiopexy (LFSO) is considered superior regarding success rate compared to the one-stage procedure when the artery must be transected. Outcomes can be jeopardized when a primary orchiopexy is ultimately realized to be the incorrect procedure due to insufficient testicular artery length. It is preferable to decide the approach before initiating dissection, however, in reality, this does not always occur. A single uniform approach to all intraabdominal testes (IAT) that takes into consideration the main challenges encountered when performing laparoscopic orchiopexy can simplify the approach and potentially achieve good outcomes. We present our experience with a standardized approach for IAT regardless of testicular position and describe the surgical modification needed to achieve good results with the one-stage LFSO. Key surgical maneuvers implicated in the modified one-stage LFSO (M-LFSO) include preservation of a wide peritoneal flap between the vessels and the vas deferens, dissecting the vessels as proximal as possible and avoiding manipulation of the epididymis and vessels between the vas and epididymis when transferring the testis to the scrotum. Our cohort included 55 boys (59 testes). Median age and weight at surgery were 13.3 months (interquartile range [IQR] 9.2-32.4) and 10.4 kg (IQR 9.2-12.6). The mean operative time was 70 min (IQR 60-85). The median follow-up was 11 months (IQR 7-12). There was one case of testicular atrophy (2%) and two cases of suboptimal testicular position in the scrotum at 6 months. M-LFSO is a standardized approach for all cases of IAT regardless of testicular position. Preservation of a wide peritoneal flap and proximal dissection of the vessels may contribute to the adequate testicular blood supply. The proposed approach eliminates the need for intra-operative decision-making and for ancillary procedures.

Association of PFKM gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to cryptorchidism in a Chinese Han population.

Cryptorchidism is one of the most common congenital anomalies in newborn boys. There are various risk factors that have been verified to have relationship with cryptorchidism, including exogenous and genetic, but the pathogenesis of cryptorchidism remains unclear. PFKM gene is a critical gene encodes for a regulatory enzyme, which limits the rate in the pathway of glycolysis. We assumed that cryptorchidism risk may associated with PFKM gene single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Thus we selected three tag SNPs in the PFKM gene and aimed to investigate the possible association between PFKM gene polymorphisms and cryptorchidism risk. The SNPs were genotyped using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis. 140 cases and 227 controls were enrolled in this study, including 105 unilateral cryptorchidism and 35 bilateral cases. The testis position was decided by the higher one in bilateral cases. The frequency of allele G of SNP rs2228500 is increased in cryptorchidism patients compared to that in controls (p < 0.05). Genotypic frequencies of rs2228500 are associated with the susceptibility of cryptorchidism in the codominant model (p < 0.05). And compared with G/G genotype in the dominant model, notable decreased frequencies of A carriers (A/G-A/A genotypes) were observed in cryptorchidism patients (p = 0.0069, OR = 1.80, 95% CI 1.17-2.75). This research first revealed that PFKM gene polymorphisms were associated with cryptorchidism in a Chinese Han population. We have offered primary evidence that the G allele and the G/G genotype of rs2228500 SNP in the PFKM gene are more frequent in patients with cryptorchidism than healthy controls.

TREMATODES INFECTING DUCKS OF GENUS AYTHYA BOIE, 1822 (ANSERIFORMES: ANATIDAE) IN SINDH, PAKISTAN

The present study covers a part of the trematode diversity in a variety of ducks migratory birds mainly including pochards found in the water bodies of Sindh, Pakistan. In the present study, the birds were collected from different water bodies using the mist nest with the help of local bird catchers. Birds were dissected for their helminthes. The treaded parasites were processed for permanent mounting in Canada balsam and for further microscopic examination. In total, 70 birds belonging to three species of pochards of Genus Aythya (Anatidae: Anseriformes), A. ferina, A. fuligula and A. nyroca were collected from different water bodies during 2019-2020. The results showed five species of digenean trematodes including Psilochasmus singhi Jaiswal and Humayun, 1971, Psilochasmus oxyurus (Creplin, 1825), Catatropis pakistanensis Shafi et al., 1982, Echinochasmus amphibolus Kotlan, 1922 and Notocotylus attenutus (Rudolphi, 1809). All species were identified on the basis of their generic and specific characters including, body shape and size, position of oral sucker, cirrus pouch, genital pore, cecca, number of uterine loops, shape position of testes and ovaries. This is the first parasitological study on trematodes infecting the genus Aythya from Sindh, Pakistan.&#x0D;

Testicular, Epididymal and Vasal Anomalies in Pediatric Patients with Cryptorchid Testes and Testes with Communicating Hydrocele.

The goal of this study was to determine the prevalence of the testicular, epididymal, and vasal anomalies (TEVA) in cryptorchid and communicating hydrocele pediatric patients. Six hundred and ninety-one prepubertal boys underwent inguinal exploration for 741 undescended (UDT) or hydrocele testes. Two hundred and fifty-five TEVA were detected in 154 UDT boys, compared to 32 defects in 24 hydrocele patients (p < 0.001). The TEVA were more frequent in bilateral UDT (p = 0.009). Multiple defects were observed more frequently in the intra-abdominal testicles (p = 0.028). A correlation was found between the testicular atrophy index (TAI) and the incidence and number of TEVA in the UDT boys (p < 0.001). The smaller the testis (higher TAI), the more the defects that appeared in it and the higher the frequency of their appearance. Another correlation was established between testis position and the incidence and number of TEVA (p < 0.001). The higher the testis position, the more the defects that appeared in it and the higher the frequency of their appearance. A correlation was established between the position and the volume of the affected testis (p < 0.001). The higher the gonad position, the more severe the atrophy observed in it. The TEVA were more frequent in the UDT boys than in the hydrocele patients. We revealed that the risk of abnormal fusion between the testis, epididymis, and vas deferens is connected with the testis position (intra-abdominal testes) and bilateral non-descent.

Morphological And Biometrical Study on Adult Rams, Bucks, And Bulls Testis in Duhok Province

Fifteen paired testes of apparently healthy adult Local rams, bucks, and bulls were collected from the slaughterhouse in the Duhok province, to compare their gross morphology and biometrical parameters. Each testis position, form, structures, size, and relationship to other elements of the region were recorded. The testes of three species were oval, and the largest was in bull and the smallest in buck. The average weight, length, circumference, volume and density of both testicles in the ram, buck, and bull varied significantly (p≤0.05) from each other. The mean thickness and width of the left and right testicles in the three species didn’t differ significantly. The ram testicular density and volume were significantly different (p≤0.05) in comparing biometrical values between the left and right testes, The length, volume, and density of the left and right testes differed significantly (p≤0.05) in the buck. The circumference, volume, and density of the left and right testes were significantly different (p≤0.05) in bulls, whereas the other values did not statistically different. The tunica albuginea was soft and grayish red in rams and bucks, but was a dense blue-gray membrane in bulls. The parenchyma layer of the testis revealed creamy white in both ram and buck but was yellow to creamy orange in the bull. In conclusion, this study has shown the similarities and differences in terms of gross morphology, morphometry between the testes of ram, buck, and bull

Clinical Presentation, Diagnostic Approach, Laparoscopic Evaluation and Treatment of Impalpable Testis.

To find out the clinical presentation, utility of ultrasound for diagnosis, laparoscopic findings and treatment for clinically impalpable testis. Cross-sectional study. Department of Paediatric Surgery, National Institute of Child Health, Jinnah Sindh Medical University Karachi, from September 2019 to April 2020. Patients with clinically impalpable testis were included. Ultrasound of inguinal region was done to locate testis. Presence of testis and its position was confirmed at laparoscopy and surgical procedure done according to the findings. Data was stratified according to the age and Chi-square test and Student t-test were applied to find out statistical significance among different variables in children below and above five years of age. A p <0.05 was taken as significant. Ninety-one patients with 113 testes were included. The median age of the children was 48 months. Sixty-nine (75.8%) patients had unilateral undescended testis and 22 (24.2%) bilateral undescended testes. Fifty-three (58.2%) patients were less than five years of age. On ultrasound, testis was found near deep ring in 23 (25.3%) patients. At laparoscopy, 74 (81.3%) testes were found within the abdominal cavity. In 7 (7.7%) patients, only nubbin of tissue was identified and removed. The first stage of Fowler Stephen procedure was done in the majority of the patients. There was statistically no significant difference following stratification in relation to laterality and position of undescended testis (p = 0.556 and p = 0.846, respectively). However, mean size of the testis was found statistically significant (p = 0.032). Most of the patients were above five years of age. Ultrasound helped in identifying low-lying intra-abdominal testis in more than 80% of patients. Laparoscopy was helpful in further defining the position of the testis and selection of surgical procedure. Undescended testis, Cryptorchidism, Laparoscopy, Orchiopexy.

Epididymal disjunction anomalies in undescended testis - a factor associated with spermatic obstruction.

ABSTRACTBackground:To analyze the incidence of epididymal anomalies (EAs) associated to spermatic obstruction in patients with undescended testis (UT) according to testicular position and age.Materials and Methods:We studied 87 patients (110 testis) with cryptorchidism and analyzed the presence of EAs correlated with the testicular position, age and patency of the processus vaginalis (PV). To analyze the relations between the testis and epididymis we considered three situations: (a) Normal pattern: the epididymis was attached to the testis at the head and tail and epididymis totally attached to the testis; (b) EAs: when the epididymis was attached to the testis only at the head (Figure-1A) and (c) EAs associated to spermatic obstruction: epididymis was attached to the testis only at the tail (Figure-1B) and when there are no visible connection between testis and epididymis (Figure-1C). We used the Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test and the Chi-square test for contingency analysis (p <0.05).Results:The mean age of the patients was 5.18 years (SD=2.867). Of 110 testes analyzed, 14 were abdominal (12.72%); 83 inguinal (75.45%) and 13 suprascrotal (11.81%). Normal relationships between testis and epididymis were observed in 54 patients (62.1%) with no significant differences in relation to the patient's age (p=0.666). Epididymal tail disjunction was observed in 23 patients (26.44%), with no significant differences in relation to age (p=0.59). EAs associated to spermatic obstruction were observed in 16 patients (18.4%), also with no significant differences in relation to age (p=0.684). We did not observe significant correlation between the testis position and the incidence of EAs (p=0.119). We did not observe significant correlations between patency of the PV (64.7%) and incidence of EAs (p=0.742).Conclusions:Epididymal anomalies associated with spermatic obstruction are present in almost 20% of undescended testes, without significant correlation with age, testicular position and patency of the PV. This information needs to be correlated to the infertility risk of this congenital anomaly.

Cryptorchidism in children: Predictive factors of orchidopexy failure and postoperative testicular atrophy

Outcomes of orchidopexy for undescended testes may be disappointing. The aim of our study was to identify predictive factors of testicular atrophy and orchidopexy failure. It was a prospective monocentric study including all boys operated for undescended testes between January 2009 and December 2014. We have recorded for all boys: age at surgery, testes volume and position, epididymo-testicular fusion and spermatic vessels abnormalities, surgical technique, need for extensive cord dissection and tension-free orchidopexy. We have included 688 boys operated for undescended testes. The whole number of undescended testes was 816. Predictive factors for postoperative testicular atrophy in univariate analysis were: testicular position in deep inguinal orifice, intra-abdominal testes, hypotrophic preoperative testes, epididymo-testicular fusion and spermatic vessels abnormalities, laparoscopic orchidopexy, complete testicular vessels skeletonization and under-tension orchidopexy. In multivariate analysis, peroperative testicular hypotrophy and testicular position in deep inguinal orifice have been identified as independent factors of postoperative atrophy. Predictive factors for testicular reascension in univariate analysis were: intra-abdominal testis position, scrotal orchidopexy and under-tension orchidopexy. In multivariate analysis, no independent factor was identified. Peroperative testicular hypotrophy and testicular position in deep inguinal orifice have been identified as independent factors of postoperative atrophy. There was no independent predictive factor for postoperative testicular reascension. 2.

Proportion of Testicular Absence and Position of Testis in Unilateral Nonpalpable Undescended Testis in a Tertiary Teaching Hospital in South India

Introduction: Undescended testis is a common surgical problem in children which needs to be treated by one and a half year of age. When testis is non palpable, it could be either absent, and when present intra-abdominal or inguinal. Methodology: A hospital based retrospective study was conducted in department of paediatric surgery, Thiruvananthapuram. Study population consisted of children treated with nonpalpable undescended testis from January 2016 to June 2021. Results: Mean age of intervention was 43.7 months (range 7 to 153 months). Incidence of absent testis was 30.97%. in 156 children who had ipsilateral undescended testis, 92 had intra-abdominal testis and 43 had inguinal testis. Presence of nubbin of testis in ipsilateral scrotum and contralateral testicular hypertrophy were suggestive of absent ipsilateral testis (p &lt;0.001). Testis is absent in 11.3% only when ipsilateral hemi scrotum is under developed. Conclusion: Proportion of absent testis is 30.97% in children with unilateral undescended testis. Presence of nubbin of testis in ipsilateral scrotum and contralateral testicular hypertrophy are predictive of ipsilateral testicular absence. Keywords: Undescended testis, atrophic testis, Contralateral hypertrophy.

Macro and Micro-anatomy of Tokay Gecko’s Reproduction Organs and Growth of External Body in Support on Reproduction Activities (Squamata: Gekkonidae: Gekko gecko)

Tokay gecko, Gekko gecko is an oviparous lizard that is distributed very widely in tropical Asia. The sexual maturity stage of tokay gecko does not have seasonal reproductive activity; they reproduce along the year. The study on the reproduction organ and growth of external morphology of tokay gecko is the first contribution to further scientific information. Gonadal micro-anatomy that were shown by histology and macro-anatomy to include the sex accessories could be demonstrated in this lizard as a criteria for the reproductive activity of urogenital organs. Males and females tokay gecko have simple urogenital track systems and also the males have simple hemipenis morphology. Testes position inside the male body is not symmetric, in the right testis is always in a higher position than left testis. Based on analysis of the measurement of the posterior part of the body, the width of cloaca, width of base tail and length of hind limb increase asymptotic growth on snout to vent length (SVL) SVL?130 mm for females, and SVL?150 mm for males. Asymptotic growth in the posterior part of the male and female body is a form of co-evolution, besides the male urogenital organs and the female reproductive system which also support co-evolution in the reproductive organs.

Proximal Hypospadias and Acquired Cryptorchidism: Incidence, Morphology and Potential Clinical Implications.

We identified the incidence of acquired cryptorchidism among patients with proximal and mid shaft hypospadias, predictors of acquired cryptorchidism, and the prevalence of testis-epididymis nonfusion with ascended testes. We hypothesized that proximal hypospadias would be associated with higher incidence of acquired cryptorchidism than mid shaft hypospadias, and that ascended testes would exhibit increased prevalence of testis-epididymis nonfusion similar to anatomical findings in an undescended testis. A retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent primary proximal and mid shaft hypospadias repair from 2010 to 2016 was conducted. Clinical and operative notes were reviewed. Patients with congenitally undescended testes or differences of sex development were excluded. A total of 175 patients were identified. Those with proximal hypospadias (14/104, 13%) were more likely than those with mid shaft hypospadias (1/71, 1%) to develop acquired cryptorchidism (p=0.04). Among proximal hypospadias patients, increased risk of acquired cryptorchidism was associated with pre-term birth (p <0.01) and penoscrotal transposition (p=0.01) but not with testis position on initial examination (p >0.99). In the 14 proximal hypospadias patients with acquired cryptorchidism, 21 ascended testes underwent orchiopexy. Operative notes adequately described testis-epididymis anatomy for 8/21 ascended testes. Testis-epididymis nonfusion was described in 6/8 ascended testes. Risk of acquired cryptorchidism is increased among patients with proximal hypospadias. Operative notes revealed a high rate of epididymal nonfusion with ascended testes, suggesting these testes morphologically resemble undescended testes. Close followup of testis position is needed in these patients, and the threshold to perform orchiopexy may need to be lower in select patients.

Cryptorchidism: a comprehensive assessment of the terminology and classification

The analysis of literature data (PubMed database, Google Scholar) is presented, devoted to the problematic study of the cryptorchidism's terminology and classification. The literature periodically calls for systematization terms used in describing the position undescended testis. Due to the confusion in terminology, it is difficult to generalize and analyze the data obtained. The same position of the undescended testis is described differently by various authors, which led to the appearance of many authors' cryptorchidism classifications at the beginning of the 21st century. This review of the literature states the fact that, over time, no consensus has been found regarding the classification of undescended testicles. Currently, there is a need to generalize the available data to select the optimal treatment algorithm. If the treatment algorithm for the palpable testicles is well studied, then the choice of a treatment method for the cryptorchidism non-palpable forms remains debated in the surgical community.

Molecular and morphological evidence of a new species of Crassicutis Manter 1936 (Digenea), a parasite of cichlids in South America.

A new species of Crassicutis Manter, 1936 (Digenea: Megaperidae) is described from the intestine of Satanoperca jurupari (Cichlidae) in the Amazon River basin, Brazil. The genus Crassicutis currently contains eight species. Crassicutis manteri n. sp. is morphologically very similar to Crassicutis cichlasomae Manter, 1936, a parasite of cichlids reported from Mexico, the Antilles, and Central and South America. Molecular data revealed that C. cichlasomae represents a species complex in Middle American cichlids. The new species can be readily distinguished from C. cichlasomae sensu lato, and the other congeners, by a combination of morphological traits such as a narrow, elongate mouth opening (versus spherical in other species), the tandem position of testes (symmetrical or oblique in most congeners), narrow body widening towards its posterior end (versus widely oval, leaf-like in other species), and short intestinal caeca ending close to the posterior end of the posterior testis (versus reaching more posteriorly in other species). Six novel sequences of 28S rDNA, ITS1, and cox1 were generated for two isolates of the new species. Sequences of the 28S rRNA gene were used to corroborate that Crassicutis is sister taxa of Homalometron Stafford, 1904.Mitochondrial DNA corroborated the distinction of the new species with previously sequenced congeners in Middle American cichlids; the interspecific divergence between the new species and the genetic lineages of C. cichlasomae was very high, varying between 23.7 and 27.2%. Biogeographical implications of our findings are briefly discussed including questionable validity of records of C. cichlasomae from South America.

Ophiotaenia echidis n. sp. (Cestoda: Proteocephalidae) from the saw-scaled viper, Echis carinatus sochureki Stemmler (Ophidia: Viperidae), one of the world's deadliest snakes, from the United Arab Emirates.

Ophiotaenia echidis n. sp. (Cestoda: Proteocephalidae) is described from the intestine of one of the world's deadliest snakes, the saw-scaled viper Echis carinatus sochureki Stemmler (Ophidia: Viperidae) in the United Arab Emirates. The new species differs from other species of the non-monophyletic Ophiotaenia by the position of testes in two longitudinal lines on both sides of the uterus, and by the large size of an embryophore (diameter of 44–55 μm versus less than 40 μm in other species). Phylogenetic reconstructions based on lsrDNA and concatenated lsrDNA + COI datasets place the new species among proteocephalids from unrelated zoogeographical realms but mostly infecting venomous snakes. In all analyses, O. echidis n. sp. exhibited a strongly supported sister relationship with O. lapata Rambeloson, Ranaivoson et de Chambrier, 2012, a parasite of a pseudoxyrhophiid snake endemic to Madagascar. Despite a shared close evolutionary history between these taxa, morphological synapomorphies remain unclear, which impedes the erection of a new genus to accommodate them. A list of the 71 tapeworms of the former, non-monophyletic subfamily Proteocephalinae, parasitising snakes and lizards, including species inquirendae, and the phylogenetically closely related Thaumasioscolex didelphidis from opossum, with selected characteristics, is also provided, together with a checklist of helminth parasites reported from E. carinatus.

Prenatal exposure to atrazine induces cryptorchidism and hypospadias in F1 male mouse offspring.

The main objective of the present study was to determine whether prenatal exposure to atrazine could affect testicle descent and penile masculinization. Atrazine has been demonstrated with a variety of endocrine disrupting activities and reproductive toxicities. However, the effects of prenatal atrazine exposure on male offspring's genital malformation, such as hypospadias and cryptorchidism, remain poorly understood. In this study, pregnant ICR mice were gavaged from gestational day 12.5–16.5 with different doses of atrazine. Although no sign of systemic toxicity was observed in F1 male pups, prenatal exposure to 100 mg/kg/day atrazine affected penile morphology, urethral meatus position and descent of testis, and reduced anogenital distance and penile size in postnatal day 21 F1 male pups. The comparative study with an androgen receptor (AR) antagonist vinclozolin suggested that these effects of atrazine on male genital development may not be through antagonism of AR. The results also revealed that atrazine exposure significantly reduced maternal serum testosterone levels, decreased AR nuclear translocation, and altered the expression levels of developmental gene networks in developing penis of mice. Atrazine exposure also affected the expression of insulin‐like 3 (Insl3) and steroidogenic gene expression in developing reproductive tract. Therefore, our data indicate that prenatal atrazine exposure can induce hypospadias in F1 mice, likely through disruption of testosterone production, decreasing genomic androgen action, and then altering expression of developmental genes during sexual differentiation. Our data also suggest that prenatal atrazine exposure can induce cryptorchidism in F1 mice, possibly through down regulation of Insl3.