Tested Research Articles

Effect of powder and extract of Ritchiea reflexa (Thonn.) Gilg et Benedict and Ctenium elegans Kunth on Amitermes evuncifer Blattodea, Termitinae

Termites play key roles in the ecosystems functioning, especially in the recycling of organic matter. However, few are considered pests because they cause damages to crops and wooden structures. Long based on the use of synthetic pesticides, the control of pestiferous termites is now focused on environmental friendly means including the use of plant extracts. Here, powder, acetonic and ethanolic extracts of Ctenium elegans and Ritchiea reflexa were tested against Amitermes evuncifer. The phytochemical study on extracts exhibited tannins and terpenoids in both species, and steroids only in the ethanolic extract of R. reflexa. Five concentrations of each formulation were used against two controls (negative and positive). Six replicates were made for each concentration using 25 (for extracts) and 30 (for powder) healthy termite workers in petri dishes. All concentrations reduced the survival duration and life expectancy of termites. In 1.83±0.41 days, the higher concentration (6 mg/cm2) of R. reflexa ethanolic extract killed all termites against 6.67±1.63, and 8.67±0.52 days for the same concentration of acetonic extract and powder, respectively. On the other hand, it took 11.17±2.64; 5.5±0.55, and 5.33±0.52 days, for powder, ethanolic and acetone extracts of C. elegans to kill all the tested termites, respectively. The results suggested the use of these formulations as a botanical insecticide in termite management. Key words: Amitermes evuncifer, biopesticides, Ctenium elegans, environment protection, Ritchiea reflexa.

Reproductive toxicity and metabolic perturbations in male rats exposed to boron

The poor rejection of boron (B) by reverse osmosis, a dominant seawater desalination and household-scale water treatment technology, is a critical issue given its potential adverse effects on human health and the extensive and increasing application of seawater desalination facilities worldwide. Although previous in vivo studies have revealed the reproductive toxicity of B, the mechanistic underpinnings and changes in the global metabolome remains undefined. To systematically investigate the effects of B on male reproduction and endogenous metabolic fingerprints, adult male rats were exposed to different doses of borax (25, 50 and 100 mg B/kg/day) for 28 days via oral gavage. After mating the treated rats with untreated female rats, we found a significant reduction in the proportion of live foetuses only in the highest dose group (100 mg B/kg/day) compared with the control group (treated with deionised water). Furthermore, compared with the control group, the concentration of plasma follicle-stimulating hormone increased and the activities of testicular enzymes (malate dehydrogenase and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase) were significantly upregulated in the 100 mg B/kg/day group, whereas the activity of testicular sorbitol dehydrogenase and the concentrations of plasma interleukin-5 were inversely proportional to the doses and were the lowest at the highest dose of 100 mg B/kg/day. The concentrations of testicular hormones (e.g., oestrone, oestradiol, oestriol, testosterone, cortisol and androstenedione) were significantly upregulated in the rats exposed to 100 mg B/kg/day. Non-targeted metabolomics and lipidomics revealed a significant disruption of lipid and amino acids metabolism at the highest dose, particularly that of linoleic acid, α-linolenic acid, sphingolipid, glycerolipid, glycerophospholipid, branched-chain amino acid and nicotinate metabolism, and unsaturated fatty acids synthesis, which are predominantly associated with inflammation, antioxidation defence, energy utilisation, steroid hormone synthesis and lipid abnormalities. Our results offer insights into the mechanisms underlying the adverse effects of B on reproduction and into the health risks posed by drinking desalinated seawater that containing elevated B concentrations.

Gonadotropin Therapy Once a Week for Spermatogenesis in Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism

ObjectiveHypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH) can be caused by congenital HH (CHH), pituitary stalk interruption syndrome (PSIS), and pituitary injury (acquired HH). Gonadotropin therapy, typically administered every other day or twice a week, is commonly used to promote spermatogenesis. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the efficacy of weekly gonadotropin therapy on spermatogenesis in patients with HH (n = 160). MethodsThe patients’ diagnoses include Kallmann syndrome (KS) (n = 61), normosmic CHH (nCHH) (n = 34), PSIS (n = 48), and acquired HH (n = 17). The rate of successful spermatogenesis and median time to achieve spermatogenesis among these 4 subgroups were compared as well as between a weekly group (n = 95) and a twice-a-week group (n = 223) of CHH patients. ResultsOnce-a-week gonadotropin therapy resulted in 74% (119/160) of HH patients achieving spermatogenesis with significantly increased testicular volume and total testosterone levels (P < .001). The median period of spermatogenesis was 13 (interquartile range[IQR] 11.4-14.6) months. Larger basal testicular volume (P = .0142) was an independent predictor for earlier sperm appearance. Six spontaneous pregnancies occurred. Compared with the twice-a-week regimen for spermatogenesis, the weekly injection group had a similar median time of sperm appearance (14 [IQR, 11.6-16.4] vs 15 [IQR, 13.5-16.5] months), success rate (78% [74/95] vs 64% [143/223]), sperm concentration (20.9 [IQR, 5.0-46.3] vs 11.7 [IQR, 2.1-24.4] million/mL), and progressive sperm motility (40.8 ± 27.3% vs 36.9% ± 20.2%). ConclusionWeekly gonadotropin therapy is effective in inducing spermatogenesis, similar to that of twice-a-week therapy. A larger basal testicular size was a favorable indicator for earlier spermatogenesis.

Reappraisal of Goezeella Fuhrmann, 1916 (Cestoda: Proteocephalidae), parasites of Neotropical catfishes (Siluriformes), with description of a new species from Pimelodella cristata (Heptapteridae)

The cestode genus GoezeellaFuhrmann, 1916 is reviewed on the basis of taxonomic evaluation of type and newly collected material from pimelodid and heptapterid catfishes (Siluriformes) in the Amazon River basin, South America, and its generic diagnosis is amended. The genus is typified by the exclusively ventral position of the cortical vitelline follicles, the inner longitudinal musculature formed by dense individual muscle fibres, rather than forming bundles as in other proteocephalids, a well-developed metascolex and biloculate suckers. The type species, G. siluriFuhrmann, 1916, is redescribed based on its syntype from Cetopsis coecutiens (type-host) (Cetopsidae) and specimens from Pinirampus pirinampu (Pimelodidae). The validity of G. danbrooksi de Chambrier, Rego & Mariaux, 2004 from Ageneiosus pardalis (Auchenipteridae) is confirmed and some erroneous morphological traits are corrected based on examination of its holotype. A new species, Goezeella mariae sp. nov., is described from the heptapterid catfish Pimelodella cristata (Heptapteridae). The new species differs from congeners by its overall size (much smaller compared to G. siluri), morphology of the scolex (strongly wrinkled metascolex and weakly developed interlocular septum of suckers) and number of the testes. This is the third proteocephalid cestode described from a heptapterid catfish in South America and the first helminth parasite reported from P. cristata. Goezeella is unusual among other Neotropical proteocephalids by its occurrence in catfishes of as many as four families; all species of the genus are known only from the Amazon and Orinoco River basins. Molecular data on two of the three valid species and a key to their identification are provided.

Questioning the utility of round spermatid injections in men with non-obstructive azoospermia.

Data on who among the infertile male population may benefit from round spermatid injections (ROSI) are lacking. To determine the probability of finding round spermatids suitable for ROSI in men with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) in whom no spermatozoa were retrieved at testicular sperm extraction. Four-hundred fifty-seven consecutive men with azoospermia underwent testicular sperm extraction. Clinical examination included age, secondary sexual characteristics, testicular size, reproductive hormone estimation, karyotyping, and Y chromosome microdeletion analyses. Histologic examination was performed, and histologic classification was determined by the most advanced spermatogenetic cell identified in the combined histologic and cytologic examination. Of the 457 azoospermic men, 342 were diagnosed with NOA, and 148 (148/342, 43%) had mixed atrophy on histopathology and retrievable spermatozoa. No spermatozoa were found in 194/342 men with NOA (57%). Histopathology diagnosed 145/194 (75%) of them with Sertoli cell only, 45/194 (23%) with spermatocyte maturation arrest, and 4/194 (2%) with spermatid maturation arrest. Histopathologically identified round spermatids without spermatozoa were rare in men with NOA. Only very few of them are likely to reap the benefits of ROSI, thus presenting the need to reconsider its actual clinical value.

Direct tensile strength measurement of granite by the universal tensile testing machine

The direct tensile strength of a typical hard rock like granite is measured by a novel apparatus known as compression-to-tensile load transfer (CTLT) device. The rock specimen is prepared in form of a slab containing a central hole and placed in the universal testing machine where the direct tensile stress can be applied to this specimen by implementing a special type of load transferring device which converts the applied compressive load to that of the tensile during the test. In the present work, some typical hard rock specimens of granite are specially prepared and tested in the laboratory to measure their direct tensile strengths. Then, a new load converting device implemented in the universal tensile testing machine is used to cause the rock specimen to be subjected to a direct tensile loading during the test. The compressive load was applied to the transferring device at the rate of 0.02 MPa/s. Numerical modeling of the tested specimens were accomplished using the discrete element method (DEM) and the higher order displacement discontinuity method (HODDM). The tensile failure of granite rock mainly occurs along the horizontal axis. The experimental results were in a good accordance with DEM results and HODDM outputs.

Impact of travel by walk and road on testicular hormones, oxidants, traces minerals, and acute phase response biomarkers of dromedary camels

This study aimed to compare the effect of truck transport and walk travel on testicular hormones, oxidants, antioxidants and acute-phase responses of camels’ walked from Sudan to the Egyptian quarantine and were transported from the quarantine to the slaughterhouses by trucks. Blood samples were collected from walked camels (N ≤ 30) just arrived at the quarantine (Walk), unloaded (N ≤ 12) from the truck (Truck), and control camels (N ≤ 20). Animals were statistically categorized into Walk travel, Truck transport, and Control, then Total travel (Walk + truck transport) was compared to control. Haptoglobin, fibrinogen, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), nitric oxide (NO), ascorbic acid, glucose, cholesterol, testosterone, estradiol, iron, copper, ALT, AST, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total proteins, albumin, and creatinine were measured. Results showed that the travel by walk and truck increased haptoglobin (P ≤ 0.0001), fibrinogen (P < 0.05), ALT (P < 0.05), and creatinine (P ≤ 0.0001) but decreased NO (P ≤ 0.0001), albumin (P < 0.05), Ascorbic acid (P < 0.05), testosterone (P ≤ 0.0001), ALP (P < 0.0001), and glucose (P ≤ 0.0001). The declined NO (P ≤ 0.0001), Ascorbic acid (P ≤ 0.0001), iron (P ≤ 0.005), copper (P ≤ 0.023), cholesterol (P > 0.05), total proteins (P ≤ 0.0001), albumin (P ≤ 0.018), globulins (P ≤ 0.001), with increased haptoglobin (P ≤ 0.0001), AST (P ≤ 0.0001), ALP (P ≤ 0.0001), and testosterone (P ≤ 0.0001) was evident in camels transported by truck compared to walk transport. In conclusion, transport enhanced the acute phase proteins, retarded kidney function, antioxidant status, and energy but truck produced a significant acute-phase response and adversely affected the oxidant-antioxidant balance, destructed proteins kidney, and liver functions than the long travel by walk.

Seismic behavior of thin cold-formed steel plate shear walls with different perforation patterns

Thin perforated Steel Plate Shear Walls (SPSWs) are among the most common types of seismic energy dissipation systems to protect the main boundary components of SPSWs from fatal fractures in the high-risk zones. In this paper, the cyclic behavior of the different circular hole patterns under cyclic loading is reported. Based on the experimental results, it can be concluded that a change in the perforation pattern of the circular holes leads to a change in the locations of the fracture tendency over the web plate, especially at the plate-frame interactions. Accordingly, the cyclic responses of the tested specimens were simulated by finite element method using the ABAQUS package. Likewise, perforated shear panels with a new perforation pattern obtained by implementing Topology Optimization (TO) were proposed. It was found that the ultimate shear strength of the specimen with the proposed TO perforation pattern was higher than that of the other specimens. In addition, theoretical equations using the Plate-Frame Interaction (PFI) method were used to predict the shear strength and initial stiffness of the considered specimens. The theoretical results showed that the proposed reduced coefficients relationships cannot accurately predict the shear strength and initial stiffness of the considered perforated shear panels. Therefore, the reduced coefficients should be adopted in the theoretical equations based on the obtained experimental and numerical results. Finally, with the results of this study, the shear strength and initial stiffness of these types of perforated shear panels can be predicted by PFI method.

A partial loss-of-function variant in GNRNR gene in a Chinese cohort with idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.

BackgroundIdiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH) is a rare genetic disease attributed to the disorder of hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Mutations in the GNRHR gene are one of the most common genetic causes of IHH. Herein, we aimed to investigate GNRHR variants in a Chinese cohort with IHH, and to characterize them at the molecular level.MethodsA total of 153 IHH patients were recruited, and variants were detected using a tailored next-generation sequencing panel. GNRHR rare sequencing variant (RSV) was verified using Sanger sequencing. Phenotypic features and therapeutic outcomes of patients were followed up. In order to examine the pathogenicity of the GNRHR RSV, we performed conservative analysis, crystal structure prediction, expression analysis as well as the assessment of ERK1/2 activation and IP3/Ca2+ response.ResultsThe same heterozygous RSV (p.R240Q) in GNRHR was identified in four sporadic IHH patients. These patients exhibited different severity of testicular development and hormone profile. hCG treatment was effective in improving gonadal development, serum testosterone, and semen quality. The GNRHR RSV has no effect on the expression of mRNA and protein, whereas damaged ERK1/2 activation and inositol triphosphate/calcium signaling.ConclusionsThe study expands GNRHR mutation spectrum in IHH patients, and reveals that the GNRHR RSV is a partial loss-of-function mutation. Although this heterozygous RSV may not have a significant influence on the pathogenesis of IHH, but its homozygous/ compound status should be paid attention in this research field.

Efficacy and safety of human chorionic gonadotropin combined with human menopausal gonadotropin and a gonadotropin-releasing hormone pump for male adolescents with congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.

Background:Compared to adult studies, studies which involve the treatment of pediatric congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH) are limited and no universal treatment regimen is available. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)/human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG) therapy for treating male adolescents with CHH.Methods:Male adolescent CHH patients were treated with hCG/hMG (n = 20) or a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) pump (n = 21). The treatment was divided into a study phase (0–3 months) and a follow-up phase (3–12 months). The testicular volume (TV), penile length (PL), penis diameter (PD), and sex hormone levels were compared between the two groups. The TV and other indicators between the groups were analyzed using a t-test (equal variance) or a rank sum test (unequal variance).Results:Before treatment, there was no statistical difference between the two groups in terms of the biochemistry, hormones, and other demographic indicators. After 3 months of treatment, the TV of the hCG/hMG and GnRH groups increased to 5.1 ± 2.3 mL and 4.1 ± 1.8 mL, respectively; however, the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05, t = 1.394). The PL reached 6.9 ± 1.8 cm and 5.1 ± 1.6 cm (P < 0.05, t = 3.083), the PD reached 2.4 ± 0.5 cm and 2.0 ± 0.6 cm (P < 0.05, t = 2.224), respectively, in the two groups. At the end of 6 months of treatment, biomarkers were in normal range in the two groups. Compared with the GnRH group, the testosterone (T) level and growth of PL and PD were significantly greater in the hCG/hMG group (all P < 0.05). While the TV of both groups increased, the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05, t = 0.314). After 9 to 12 months of treatment, the T level was higher in the hCG/hMG group. Other parameters did not exhibit a statistical difference.Conclusions:The hCG/hMG regimen is feasible and effective for treating male adolescents with CHH. The initial 3 months of treatment may be a window to optimally observe the strongest effects of therapy. Furthermore, results from the extended time-period showed positive outcomes at the 1-year mark; however, the long-term effectiveness, strengths, and weaknesses of the hCG/hMG regimen require further research.Trial Registration:ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02880280; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02880280.

Protective Effects of Quercetin against Rotenone Induced Histopathological and Biochemical Alteration in Testes of Mice

The present work aimed to investigate the protective role of quercetin against rotenone-induced testes damage at the level of oxidative stress and histological alteration. Reproductive toxicity was induced in mice by oral treatment of rotenone, 5 mg/kg body weight daily for 60 days, dissolve in sunflower oil as a vehicle. The quercetin was orally administered 30 mg/kg body weight daily for 60 days along with rotenone. The results of the current study showed that rotenone significantly reduced the Reduced glutathione (GSH) content and decreased the activities of Catalase (CAT) and Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and increased the oxidative markers such as Lipid peroxidation (LPO), and Nitric Oxide (NO) in rotenone treated group as compared to control. Co-administration of quercetin along with rotenone significantly reduced LPO and NO in the testes of mice when compared to rotenone alone group, increased the content of GSH, enhanced activities of CAT, and SOD when compared to rotenone the only group. The results of histological studies of the rotenone treated group showed a reduced number of germ cells, sperms loss, abnormality in seminiferous tubules, and degeneration of interstitial cells was found in the rotenone treated group as compared to control. While co-administration of quercetin reverses these adverse effects. The results of the current study clearly indicated that rotenone exerts harmful effects on the testes and co-administration of quercetin along with rotenone significantly protects damage caused by rotenone.

Effect of Lanthanum Strontium Manganese Oxide (LaSMnO3) Nanoparticle on mouse Testosterone and Fertility

Intraperitoneal administration of Lanthanum strontium manganese oxide (LaSMnO3) a new class of magnetic nanoparticle on mouse testosterone and fertility was investigated. For this, experimental mice divided into 4 groups (n=5); group I, II, III and IV were treated with vehicle (control), 5, 10 and 20 µg/kg/day of LaSMnO3 for 21 days respectively. Five animals from each group were sacrificed at interval of 0, 7, 14 and 21 days, however, after twenty-one days of the treatment, animals in all groups were allowed to cohabited with untreated female mice for fertility study. Toxic effects of LaSMnO3 on the testosterone and sperm parameters were analyzed. Effect on ROS and anti-oxidative biomarkers were also measured. Significant decrease (p&lt;0.05) of epididymal spermatozoa motility and numbers was measured revealing the cytotoxicity effects of this nanomaterial. Light microscopic study revealed changes in the cauda epididymal sperm morphology. Failure of the fertility in LaSMnO3-treated mice as evidenced by the significant reduction in the average number of implantation in females mated with the treated males. Depletion of testicular testosterone hormone level by high dose of LaSMnO3 (20µg/kg/day) shows a reduced testicular androgen synthesis. This study therefore, shows the potential adverse effect of LaSMnO3 on male fertility.&#x0D; Keywords: Lanthanum strontium manganese oxide nanoparticle, animal models, toxicity, fertility

Reproductive injury in male BALB/c mice infected with Neospora caninum

BackgroundNeospora caninum is one of the main causes of abortion in pregnant animals. However, N. caninum-induced reproductive injury in male mice is still unclear.MethodsMale BALB/c mice were infected with a bovine isolate of N. caninum, and the organ coefficients of the testis and epididymis were measured. Lesions in the testis and epididymis were observed by light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Expression of the spermatogenic cell apoptosis-related proteins p53 and caspase-3 was detected by western blot. The expression of spermatogenesis-related genes in the testis was detected by reverse transcription-PCR. Sperm morphology and motility were observed. The levels of nitric oxide (NO) and antisperm antibody (AsAb) in the testicular homogenates and hormones in the serum were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The reproductive capacity of the male mice was detected using a reproduction test.ResultsThe organ coefficients of the testis and epididymis of the experimental group were significantly downregulated. Light microscopy examination revealed that the spermatogenic cells of the testis were arranged in a disordered manner, and the number was reduced. The number of sperm in the epididymal lumen was significantly reduced, and the cytoplasm exhibited vacuolation and degeneration. Ultrastructural studies revealed that the cells of the testis and epididymis tissues showed varying degrees of disease. The level of p53 and caspase-3 expression in the testis was significantly upregulated. The expression of the testicular spermatogenesis-related genes Herc4, Ipo11 and Mrto4 were strongly downregulated. Observation of sperm by microscopic examination revealed significantly reduced sperm density and sperm motility, and the number of sperm deformities was significantly increased. The level of NO and AsAb was significantly increased. The levels of luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone and gonadotropin-releasing hormone were significantly upregulated, whereas the levels of testosterone, thyrotropin-releasing hormone, thyroxine and thyroid-stimulating hormone were significantly downregulated. After challenge, the infected male mice and healthy female mice were caged together: the subsequent fetal death rate was increased, and the conception rate, litter size, number of live births and the birth weight were significantly reduced.ConclusionsInfection of male BALB/c mice with the bovine isolate of N. caninum induced varying degrees of injury to the testis, epididymis and sperm of the mice, destroyed spermatogenesis and affected the reproductive capacity.Graphical

Testicular Size and Male Infertility in Sudanese Patients Attending Khartoum Dermatology and Venereology Teaching Hospital

Testicular Size and Male Infertility in Sudanese Patients Attending Khartoum Dermatology and Venereology Teaching Hospital

A recurrent ZSWIM7 mutation causes male infertility resulting from decreased meiotic recombination.

Are mutations in the zinc finger SWIM domain-containing protein 7 gene (ZSWIM7) associated with human male infertility? The homozygous frameshift mutation (c.231_232del) in ZSWIM7 causes decreased meiotic recombination, spermatogenesis arrest, and infertility in men. ZSWIM7 is a SWIM domain-containing Shu2/SWS1 protein family member and a subunit of the Shu complex. Zswim7 knockout mice were infertile due to impaired meiotic recombination. However, so far there is no direct evidence that mutations of ZSWIM7 cause human infertility. Screening for mutations of ZSWIM7 was performed using in-house whole-exome sequencing data from 60 men with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA). Mice with a corresponding Zswim7 mutation were generated for functional verification. Sixty Chinese patients, who were from different regions of China, were enrolled. All the patients were diagnosed with NOA owing to spermatocyte maturation arrest based on histopathological analyses and/or immunostaining of spermatocyte chromosome spreads. ZSWIM7 mutations were screened from the whole-exome sequencing data of these patients, followed by functional verification in mice. A homozygous frameshift mutation (c.231_232del) in ZSWIM7 was found in two out of the 60 unrelated NOA patients. Both patients displayed small testicular size and spermatocyte maturation arrest in testis histology. Spermatocyte chromosome spreads of one patient revealed meiotic maturation arrest in a pachytene-like stage, with incomplete synapsis and decreased meiotic recombination. Male mice carrying a homozygous mutation similar to that of our patients were generated and also displayed reduced recombination, meiotic arrest and azoospermia, paralleling the spermatogenesis defects in our patients. As Zswim7 is also essential for meiosis in female mice, future studies should evaluate the ZSWIM7 mutations more in depth and in larger cohorts of infertile patients, including males and females, to validate the findings. These findings provide direct clinical and functional evidence that the recurrent ZSWIM7 mutation (c.231_232del) causes decreased meiotic recombination and leads to male infertility, illustrating the genotype-phenotype correlations of meiotic recombination defects in humans. This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (31890780, 31630050, 32061143006, 82071709, and 31871514), the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (XDB19000000), and the National Key Research and Developmental Program of China (2018YFC1003900 and 2019YFA0802600). Not applicable.

Repeated Evaluations of Testes and Semen Characteristics in Two Binturongs (Arctictis binturong).

The binturong is a medium size carnivore belonging to the Viverrid family that lives in dense forests of South-East Asia. In addition to the protection of this vulnerable species in its natural habitat (in situ), conservation breeding efforts (ex situ) aim at maintaining a good genetic diversity while increasing the number of individuals to reinforce wild populations. Both approaches require a solid understanding of binturong's basic biology. However, there is still a lack of precise information about reproduction. The objective of this brief research report was to analyze testicular sizes and semen characteristics at different times of the year to better understand the reproductive physiology and inform future conservation efforts. A secondary objective was to describe sperm cryotolerance for the first time in that species. Examinations of testes and semen collections were conducted on two adult males. While testicular measurements were relatively constant across multiple examinations, semen characteristics (volume, viability, sperm concentrations, sperm motility) varied between samples. However, incidence of sperm morphological abnormalities was consistently high. Sperm cryotolerance appeared to be poor but further studies are warranted. The present dataset will be useful for future research on binturong reproduction and for the development of assisted reproductive techniques and biobanking of germplasms in that species.

Laparoscopic staged management of high intrabdominal testis: A prospective randomized study

ObjectiveTo prospectively compare outcomes and complications of both staged laparoscopic techniques used in management of high intrabdominal testis (IAT). Materials and MethodsForty five patients were included in the study in whom unilateral high IAT were identified and were subjected to two-stage laparoscopic orchiopexy. Patients were prospectively randomized into two groups according to laparoscopic technique in use; either two stage Fowler-Stephens laparoscopic orchiopexy (FSLO) or staged laparoscopic traction orchiopexy (SLTO).Intraoperative evaluation for the distance of the testis from the internal ring, state of the internal ring (closed or open), operative time (min), intraoperative and early postoperative complications were recorded after first stage.Surgical outcomes of both techniques included operative time, intraoperative complications, success rate, final scrotal site position, testicular size and vascularity, and these were recorded within 48h of the second stage procedure and at 6 month follow-up. ResultsStaged FSLO was performed on 25 testes. Four cases were lost during follow up. Out of these 21 cases, one child had an atrophic testis before the second stage based on previously recorded operative size. SLTO was done on 20 testes. We had 2 cases of fixation suture slippage rendering a total of 18 patients who underwent second stage operation. No patients converted from laparoscopic to open surgery.At 6 month follow-up visits, 27 testes were found on examination to have a low scrotal position, (14 in the FSLO group and 13 in the SLTO group), 9 testes in high scrotal position (5 in the FSLO group and 4 in the SLTO group). Testicular ascent occurred in one patient in each group. Testicular atrophy was identified in 3 cases among the FS group, while no case of testicular atrophy occurred in the traction group of patients (p = 0.048). ConclusionsBoth staged laparoscopic techniques had comparable success rates as regard final scrotal position for high undescended IAT in children, and were associated with no intra or post operative complications. SLTO had a better outcome as it was not associated with any testicular atrophy compared to FSLO at 6 months follow up.

Preliminary investigation of the diagnostic value of shear wave elastography in evaluating the testicular spermatogenic function in patients with azoospermia.

To assess the diagnostic value of shear wave elastography (SWE) for evaluating the histological spermatogenic function of azoospermic males, 91 patients with azoospermia who underwent standardised greyscale ultrasound and SWE examinations followed by testicular biopsy were retrospectively recruited. Spermatogenic function was classified by biopsy as normal testicular spermatogenesis (n=61), hypospermatogenesis (n=18), spermatogenesis arrest (n=6) and Sertoli cell-only syndrome (n=6). Significant differences in testicular size and SWE values were observed between these 4 groups (p<.01). The mean SWE value had good discrimination power (AUC=0.79) with a cut-off value of 1.55KPa, a sensitivity of 0.58, specificity of 0.85, positive predictive value (PPV) of 0.36 and negative predictive value (NPV) of 0.93. Testicular volume had an AUC of 0.75. With a cut-off value of 8.41ml, the testicular volume had a sensitivity of 0.58, specificity of 0.92, PPV of 0.54 and NPV of 0.93. The mean SWE value and testicular volume efficiently discriminated patients with normal spermatogenesis and hypospermatogenesis from patients with Sertoli cell-only syndrome and spermatogenesis arrest.

Serum Insulin-like Factor 3 Levels Are Reduced in Former Androgen Users, Suggesting Impaired Leydig Cell Capacity.

Illicit use of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) is frequently observed in men and is associated with subsequent testosterone deficiency although the long-term effect on gonadal function is still unclear. Serum insulin-like factor 3 (INSL3) has been suggested to be a superior biomarker of Leydig cell secretory capacity compared to testosterone. This study aimed to investigate serum INSL3 concentrations in AAS users. This community-based, cross-sectional study included men aged 18 to 50 years, involved in recreational strength training and allocated to 1 of 3 groups: never-AAS users as controls (n = 44), current (n = 46), or former AAS users (n = 42) with an average duration since AAS cessation of 32 (23 ; 45) months. Serum INSL3 was lower in current AAS users and former AAS users than in controls, median (interquartile range), 0.04 µg/L (nondetectable [ND]-0.07 µg/L) and 0.39 µg/L (0.24-0.62 µg/L) vs 0.59 µg/L (0.45-0.72 µg/L), P less than .001. Former AAS users exhibited lower serum INSL3 levels than controls in a multivariable linear regression even after adjusting for serum total testosterone (TT) and other relevant confounders, (B) (95% CI), -0.16 µg/L (95% CI, -0.29 to -0.04 µg/L), P equal to .011. INSL3 and TT were not associated in the model, P equal to .821. Longer accumulated AAS duration (log2) was associated with lower serum INSL3 in former AAS users, (B) (95% CI), -0.08 (95% CI, -0.14 to -0.01), P equal to .022. Serum INSL3, but not inhibin B or testosterone, was associated with testicular size in a multivariate linear regression, (B) (95% CI); 4.7 (95% CI, 0.5 to 8.9), P equal to .030. Serum INSL3 is reduced years following AAS cessation in men, independently of testosterone, suggesting persistently impaired Leydig cell capacity.

Rimklb mutation causes male infertility in mice

Rimklb is a mammalian homologue of the E. coli enzyme RimK, which catalyzes addition of glutamic acid to the ribosomal protein S6. To date, no previous studies have shown any physiological role for Rimklb in mammals. In this study, using Western blotting, we found that Rimklb is distributed and expressed in mouse testis and heart. Rimklb was subsequently localized to the testicular Leydig cells using immunohistochemistry with an anti-Rimklb antibody. We generated a Rimklb mutant mouse in which a three-base deletion results in deletion of Ala 29 and substitution of Leu 30 with Val, which we named the RimklbA29del, L30V mutant mouse. RimklbA29del, L30V mutant mice show a decrease in testicular size and weight, and in vitro fertilization demonstrates complete male infertility. Furthermore, we found that a key factor in the mammalian target of the rapamycin/ribosomal protein S6 transcriptional pathway is hyperphosphorylated in the seminiferous tubules of the mutant testis. We conclude that Rimklb has important roles that include spermatogenesis in seminiferous tubules. In summary, male RimklbA29del, L30V mice are infertile.