Tested Research Articles

Characterization of testicular and epididymal parameters in Algerian Arabia bucks

Abstract. In goat production, the reproductive efficiency of bucks must be taken into account. Testicle size is the most appropriate parameter to directly improve the reproductive performance of females. In this study, body weight (BW), body condition score (BCS) and testicular and epididymal parameters of Arabia goats were studied. A total number of 200 bucks wеre randomly selected and classified into three age categories (6-12 months, 13-24 months and >2 years). BW, BCS, mean scrotal circumference, testicular volume, testicular diameter, testicular length, testicular weight, testicular density, epididymal weight, epididymal length, epididymal tail length, caput weight, corpus weight, caudal weight, Gonadosomatic Index, Epididymosomatic index and Epididymal-Testicular weight ratio were measured. A highly significant correlation was found between all parameters (p<0.05). The values of all parameters increased significantly with age, with the exception of the gonadosomatic and epididymosomatic indices, which decreased with age (p<0.05). These results provide data that can be used to anticipate an adequate ante-mortem sperm reserve based on testicular size in the preliminary selection of breeding males from the local sexually mature population.

Power Optimization by Using Reconfigurable LFSR with Gated Clock

LFSR are the most commonly used test pattern generators due to its efficiency than any binary counters. This paper presents the design of a novel reconfigurable LFSR with clock gating for VLSI testing. The technology advancement in VLSI has increased the complexity of chip testing. This complexity in testing has made the Logic BIST (LBIST) more popular than Automatic Test Equipment. This helps the testing with an additional hardware added inside the circuit. ATE does not apply any test patterns but the test patterns are generated by the testing circuits which are inbuilt in the hardware. Thus the cost of testing is greatly reduced. In the LBIST, reconfigurable LFSR are used for the test pattern generation which improves the fault coverage in IC testing. This increases the generation of random test pattern. To increase the speed of testing and reduce the power required a clock gating is introduced in the reconfigurable LFSR. In traditional testing more transistors are required in the circuits resulting in consumption of more power than power required for the functioning of the circuit. Conventional clock circuit consumes 70% of the clock buffer. This reduces the number of switching activities in the BIST. The power consumption of the proposed reconfigurable LFSR with gated clocking is significantly reduced when compared with the conventional LFSR with clocking circuits.

Fracture toughness of alumina filler filled glass fabric reinforced epoxy composites

Micron sized alumina particles (≤10 µm) are incorporated between the plies of a conventional glass fabric reinforced epoxy (GE) composite to improve the fracture toughness ( K IC ). The influence of the alumina filler content (0, 7.5, and 10 wt%) on K IC are investigated. These composites are prepared by hand layup assisted by the vacuum bagging method. The prepared composites are evaluated for K IC at room temperature, elevated temperature (100 °C) and at cryogenic temperature (−15 °C). The K IC test was conducted utilizing single notched edge bend specimen under mode I according to ASTM D5045 standard. The test results indicated that K IC of GE is improved by addition of alumina particles. Furthermore, these composites maintained higher K IC at −15 °C and decreased significantly at elevated temperature. The maximum K IC is recorded at particle loading of 10 wt% GE hybrid composite.

CHEMICAL CHACRACTERIZATION AND BIOACTIVE POTENTIAL OF ESSENTIAL OIL ISOLATED FROM RHANTERIUM SUAVEOLENS DESF. SPECIES GROWING IN TUNISIAN ARID ZONE

The purpose of this work is to assess the antioxidant and the antibacterial activities of essential oil from flowers of Rhanterium suaveolens Desf. and to investigate its chemical composition. The GC-MS analysis revealed the identification of a total of thirty-one compounds representing 98.4% of the total oil. Spathulenol (18.3%), carvacrol (12.1%), linalool (9.4%), a-terpineol (7.10%), a-terpinolene (6.3%) and pinocarvone (5.6%) were identified as major constituents. The tested oil exhibited weak activities in both DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assays and ferric reducing power test. However, it showed a good lipid peroxidation activity using the B-carotene/linoleic acid assay with an IC50 value of 26.20±1.01 ug/mL. In addition, the highest antibacterial effect was recorded against Staphylococcus aureus ((MIC=37.5 ug/mL). These findings show that essential oil of R. suaveolens flowers can be used as a promising source of natural food and drug preservatives.

Влияние SARS-CoV-2 на репродукцию человека

The available information on the clinical features of COVID-19, the effects of the infection on various organs and systems, and the prevention and treatment is very limited and contradictory There is especially little evidence for the effects of SARS-CoV-2 on the human reproductive system The authors carried out a systematic analysis of the data available in modern literature about the effects of the SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 on the female and male reproductive system and fertility The literature review includes data from the publications available at https://pubmed ncbi nlm nih gov/ on this topic The paper provides data on the etiology and pathogenesis of COVID-19, the ways of penetration into the human body, the possible mechanisms of damage to the gonads in males and females, and the available evidence of the effect of SARS-CoV-2 on human reproduction Currently, there are no data proving the presence of infection of ovarian or endometrial tissues in women, which would affect oogenesis, embryo implantation, early embryogenesis, and the occurrence of pregnancy in natural cycles or in ART programs It can be assumed that there may be the following disorders of the female reproductive system: ovarian tissue damage caused by SARS-CoV-2, which may contribute to ovulatory dysfunction;oocyte damage, which can facilitate the production of aneuploid oocytes;and endometrial cell damages, which can lead to impaired embryo implantation The data on the effect of SARS- CoV-2 on spermatogenesis and testicular tissue damage are scanty and contradictory Conclusion Further investigations are needed to study the effects of SARS-CoV-2 on human reproductive function Имеющиеся сведения о клинических особенностях COVID-19, влиянии инфекции на различные органы и системы, профилактике и лечении весьма ограничены и противоречивы Особенно мало данных о влиянии SARS- CoV-2 на репродуктивную систему человека Проведен систематический анализ данных, имеющихся в современной литературе, о влиянии вирусов SARS-CoV-2 и COVID-19 на репродуктивную систему и фертильность женщин и мужчин В обзор литературы включены данные публикаций, представленных в https://pubmed ncbi nlm nih gov/ по данной теме Приведены данные об этиологии и патогенезе COVID-19, о путях проникновения в организм человека, о возможных механизмах поражения гонад у мужчин и женщин и имеющиеся доказательства влияния SARS-CoV-2 на репродукцию у человека В настоящее время отсутствуют данные, доказывающие наличие инфицирования тканей яичника или эндометрия у женщин, которые бы повлияли на оогенез, имплантацию эмбриона, ранний эмбриогенез, наступление беременности в естественных циклах или в программах ВРТ Можно предположить вероятность следующих нарушений женской репродуктивной системы: поражение SARS-CoV-2 тканей яичников, что может способствовать нарушению овуляторной функции;поражение ооцитов, что может способствовать получению анеуплоидных ооцитов;поражение клеток эндометрия, что может приводить к нарушению имплантации эмбрионов Данные по влиянию SARS- CoV-2 на сперматогенез и поражение тканей яичек немногочисленны и противоречивы Заключение Необходимо проведение дальнейших исследований по изучению влияния SARS-CoV-2 на репродуктивную функцию человека

Detrimental effects of long-term exposure to heavy metals on histology, size and trace elements of testes and sperm parameters in Kermani Sheep

Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) has been hypothesized as a cause of declining sheep reproductive efficiency. Understanding the long-term effects of EDCs such as heavy metals on reproductive health requires investigation in 'real life' of sheep that are reared in industrial areas. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of long-term exposure of Kermani rams to high levels of environmental heavy metals probably emitted from a copper smelter at KhatoonAbad in ShahreBabak, Kerman province. Testicular characteristics were determined in randomly-selected rams (3–4 years old) at 4 directions (south, north, east, and west) and 4 distances (10, 20, 30, and 40 km) from the smelter. Testicular trace element contents, size, serum testosterone, histological attributes and seminal characteristics, except semen volume, were affected by both the direction and the distance from the smelter (P < 0.05). Testicular contents of Pb, Cd, Cr, and Ni, and sperm abnormalities were higher at 10 km south from the smelter and lower at 40 km west. Other parameters were higher at 40 km west and lower at 10 km south. Interestingly, the testicular contents of Cu at 10 km south were lower and associated with higher sperm abnormalities in the rams reared closer to the smelter. The highest weight, length and circumference of the testis were found at 40 km west. The lowest concentration of testosterone was observed at 10 km south, being 92.6% lower than the highest values obtained at 40 km west. The diameter of seminiferous tubules and epithelial height at 10 km south were 8.9% and 27.5% lower than the highest values obtained at 40 km west. A positive correlation between Pb, Cd, Cr and Ni contents in the testis with sperm abnormalities, and a negative correlation between these elements with the other parameters were found. It was concluded that long-term exposure to heavy metals might have been a cause of decreased fertility in rams and probably other living species in this region.

Etiological analysis of a case of food poisoning caused by mixed infection with two rare serotypes of Vibrio parahaemolyticus

Objective To analyze the etiology of a food poisoning caused by mixed infection with two rare serotypes of Vibrio parahaemolyticus, and we provide the basis for the pathogen examination of food poisoning. Methods According to Food Microbiology Testing for Vibrio parahaemolyticus (GB 4789.7-2013) and other standards, 9 patients with food poisoning treated in Longmen County People’s Hospital were selected as research objects, and their rectal swabs were collected for analy⁃ sis and identification. Results There were a total of 9 patients with clinical symptoms, including 2 patients aged ≤20 years old, 1 patient aged 21-<40 years old , 4 patients aged 41-<60 years old , and 2 patients aged ≥60 years old. Eight strains of Vibrio parahaemolyticus were detected in 9 rectal swabs, with ratios of the blood classification type O2:K28 was 25.00% (2/8), and O8: K21 was: 75.00%(6 / 8); The similarity of O2∶K28 serotypes (VP18171 and VP18175) was 66.7% by PFGE molecular typing. The similarity of O8∶K21 serotype (VP18172, VP18173, VP18176) was 100.0%, and the similarity of O8∶K21 serotype (VP18177, VP18174, VP18170) was 88.4%-95.2%. The results of the drug sensitivity test showed that while 1 strain was resis⁃ tant to ampicillin and cefazolin, 1 strain was resistant to ampicillin and 3 strains were resistant to cefazolin, the other strains were sensitive to all of the tested drugs, and there was no multi-drug resistance. Conclusion The food poisoning was caused by mixed infection of two different serotypes O2∶K28 and O8∶K21 of Vibrio parahaemolyticus. 摘要：目的 分析一起由两种罕见血清型混合感染引起的副溶血性弧菌食物中毒病原学的检测结果, 为食物中毒 病原学检查途径提供依据。 方法 对一起在龙门县人民医院就诊食物中毒事件的 9 例患者采集其肛拭子样本, 参照《食品微生物学检验副溶血性弧菌检验》( GB 4789.7—2013) 等标准进行病原学分析鉴定。 结果 本次事件出现临床症 状者 9 例, 其中≤20 岁 2 例, 20~<40 岁 1 例, 40~<60 岁 4 例, ≥60 岁 2 例; 9 份肛拭子样本检出 8 株副溶血性弧菌, 血清分型 O2: K28 构 成 比 占 25.00% (2 / 8); O8: K21 构 成 比 占 75.00%(6 / 8); 经 PFGE 分 子 分 型 , 2 株 O2∶K28 血 清 型 (VP18171、VP18175) 相似度为 66.7%; 3 株 O8∶K21 血清型 (VP18172、VP18173、VP18176) 相似度为 100.0%, 与另外 3 株 O8∶K21 血 清型 (VP18177、VP18174、VP18170) 相似度为 88.4%~95.2%; 药敏试验结果显示, 除有 1 株菌株对氨苄西林、头孢唑林二 重耐药、1 株菌株对氨苄西林耐药、3 株菌株对头孢唑林耐药外, 其它菌株对所有测试药物均敏感, 无多重耐药现象。 结论 此次食物中毒是由 O2:K28 和 O8:K21 这两种罕见血清型的副溶血性弧菌混合感染引起的。

Developmental Pattern of Diurnal Cortisol Rhythm and Sex-Specific Associations With Psychopathological Symptoms During Pubertal Transition.

This study aimed to examine the developmental pattern of diurnal cortisol rhythm during pubertal transition and its prospective association with psychopathological symptoms. A cohort of 1158 children consisting of 608 boys and 550 girls aged 7 to 9 years (mean [standard deviation] age = 8.04 [0.61] years) were recruited in the Anhui Province of China in 2015 (wave 1). A single awakening sample was collected at baseline, and three additional samples were collected at one weekday in wave 2 to wave 4. Four indices of cortisol activity were evaluated and calculated across the day: awakening cortisol level, cortisol awakening response, the area under the curve with respect to ground (AUC), and the diurnal cortisol slope. In each wave, pubertal development was assessed by testicular size in boys and Tanner scales in girls. Psychopathological symptoms were ascertained in waves 2 to 4. Multilevel mixed models revealed no significant pubertal changes in diurnal cortisol activity in girls. In boys, awakening cortisol (β = -0.005, p = .004) and total cortisol output (lnAUC, β = -0.005, p = .040) significantly decreased across pubertal transition. Higher awakening cortisol and total cortisol output (lnAUC) were associated with higher scores on internalizing symptoms in girls (β = 0.82, p < .001; β = 0.62, p = .012) and externalizing symptoms in boys (β = 0.73, p = .001; β = 0.55, p = .019) during the 3-year follow-up. In contrast, no associations were found between cortisol awakening response and diurnal cortisol slope with psychopathological symptom scores in boys or girls. Development of diurnal cortisol activity during pubertal transition occurs in a sex-specific manner. Awakening cortisol level and daily total cortisol output may serve as markers for psychopathology during pubertal transition.

Retrospective analysis on confirmation rates for referred positive rotavirus samples in England, 2016 to 2017: implications for diagnosis and surveillance.

BackgroundRapid diagnostic tests are commonly used by hospital laboratories in England to detect rotavirus (RV), and results are used to inform clinical management and support national surveillance of the infant rotavirus immunisation programme since 2013. In 2017, the Public Health England (PHE) national reference laboratory for enteric viruses observed that the presence of RV could not be confirmed by PCR in a proportion of RV-positive samples referred for confirmatory detection.AimWe aimed to compare the positivity rate of detection methods used by hospital laboratories with the PHE confirmatory test rate.MethodsRotavirus specimens testing positive at local hospital laboratories were re-tested at the PHE national reference laboratory using a PCR test. Confirmatory results were compared to original results from the PHE laboratory information management system.ResultsHospital laboratories screened 70.1% (2,608/3,721) of RV samples using immunochromatographic assay (IC) or rapid tests, 15.5% (578/3,721) using enzyme immunoassays (EIA) and 14.4% (535/3,721) using PCR. Overall, 1,011/3,721 (27.2%) locally RV-positive samples referred to PHE in 2016 and 2017 failed RV detection using the PHE reference laboratory PCR test. Confirmation rates were 66.9% (1,746/2,608) for the IC tests, 87.4% (505/578) for the EIA and 86.4% (465/535) for the PCR assays. Seasonal confirmation rate discrepancies were also evident for IC tests.ConclusionsThis report highlights high false positive rates with the most commonly used RV screening tests and emphasises the importance of implementing verified confirmatory tests for RV detections. This has implications for clinical diagnosis and national surveillance.

Discontinuous Involvement of Spermatic Cord Soft Tissue in Testicular Germ Cell Tumors: A Multi-Institution Experience

Abstract Introduction/Objective In the 8th Edition AJCC Cancer Staging Manual, discontinuous involvement of spermatic cord soft tissue (DISC) by testicular germ cell tumors (GCT) is regarded as metastatic deposit (pM1), placing the patient in clinical prognostic stage group (CPSG) III. We conducted a multi-institution study to corroborate or refute the current recommendations. Methods: Thirty-eight cases of GCT with spermatic cord involvement were collected from 13 institutions in Europe, Phillipines and America. Clinical and pathologic data was obtained. Results Tumors included 28 (73%) non-seminomatous and 10 (26%) seminomatous GCTs. Mean testicular tumor size was 6.6 cm (range 1.3-18). After review by an uropathologist, cases were classified as cord LVI [T2] (n=3), continuous cord involvement (CCI) [T3] (n=13), and DISC (n=22). Mean cord tumor size for DISC was 0.9 cm (range 0.1-4.5). CPSG was available for 33 and follow-up (FU) for22 patients with a mean length of FU of 38 months (range 2-144). Seven (39%) DISC patients were CPSG II (regional LN metastases), and 11 (61%) CPSG III (distant metastases). On FU, 5 (45%) DISC patients had no evidence of disease (NED); 6 (55%) were alive with disease (AWD). Three (25%) CCI patients were CPSG I (local disease), 6 (50%) CPSG II, and 3 (25%) CPSG III. On FU, 6 (60%) CCI patients were NED, 4 (40%) AWD. Cord LVI patients were one in each CPSG. One cord LVI patient was NED, the others were lost at FU. All DISC (100%) patients with available CPSG had advanced disease (CPSG II or III), compared to 75% of CCI, and 67% of cord LVI patients. Conclusion Although it did not reach statistical significance (p=0.054; Fisher’s exact test), DISC patients were more likely to have CPSG II and III compared to CCI patients. Our findings suggest a worse behavior in patients with DISC, supporting a higher pathologic stage than CCI.

Hypogonadism: Is It Always Hypogonadotropic in an Adolescent With a Cleft Palate? A Surprising Case of Klinefelter Syndrome.

Pituitary hormone deficiencies may occur in children with midline defects; in these cases, hypogonadism is usually hypogonadotropic. Herein, we report a boy at the age of 13.8 years with mild mental retardation, previously operated for complete cleft palate (isolated) and presented with hypoglycemia due to isolated secondary adrenal insufficiency, who further had a decrease in testicular size with increased follicle-stimulating hormone level (hypergonadotropic hypogonadism) and diagnosed with Klinefelter syndrome. Klinefelter syndrome in childhood is rarely diagnosed and cases are observed in a wide spectrum. Although some regional duplications of the X chromosome also show midline defects such as spina bifida-neural tube defects, mental retardation, hypopituitarism (mostly growth hormone deficiency); coexistence of Klinefelter syndrome and isolated secondary adrenal deficiency/midline defect in our case may also be coincidental. However, to our knowledge, this is the first case in literature with this association in a patient with a 47, XXY karyotype.

Postnatal testicular development and actin appearance in the seminiferous epithelium of the Habu, Trimeresurus flavoviridis.

The postnatal testicular development and actin distribution in the seminiferous epithelium were examined by light microscopy, using the testes of the Habu (Trimeresurus flavoviridis; snake) from 0-year-old to 3-year-old. At 0-year-old (about 1month after birth), the testis was quite small in size, and the seminiferous epithelium was composed of only Sertoli cells and large spermatogonia. Actin immunoreactivity was observed in the peritubular myoid cells, but could not be detected in the seminiferous epithelium. At 1-year-old (about 10months after birth), the testicular size increased to a great degree. In the seminiferous epithelium, spermatocytes newly appeared. Actin could still not be detected in the seminiferous epithelium. At 2-year-old (about 1year and 10months after birth), the testes continued to develop in size. In the seminiferous epithelium, elongate spermatids and round spermatids were frequently seen, in addition to Sertoli cells, spermatogonia and spermatocytes. Thus, active spermatogenesis was clearly recognized at this age. Moreover, the actin distribution in the seminiferous epithelium was observed at the site between Sertoli cells and spermatids, as well as that at adult stage. The immunoreactivity of actin in the peritubular myoid cells gradually increased from 0-year-old to 2-year-old. Conclusively, it seems likely that spermatogenesis in the Habu initiates at 2-year-old, accompanying with the appearance of actin in the seminiferous epithelium.

Adverse pathophysiological influence of early testosterone therapy on the testes of boys with higher grade sex chromosome aneuploidies (HGAs): a retrospective, cross-sectional study

PurposeHigher grade aneuploidies (HGAs) of the male sex chromosomes are a rare genetic group of pathologies caused by nondisjunction meiotic events. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of early androgenic therapy on the testicular secretory hormone profile, and the pathophysiological implications.Patients and methodsIn this cross-sectional study, 18 HGA subjects aged 6–8 years were recruited. They were divided into two groups, based on whether or not they had previously undergone testosterone therapy (group 1: 11 untreated subjects; group 2: 7 treated subjects). Serum FSH, LH, testosterone (T), inhibin B (INHB) and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) were determined, and auxological parameters were assessed. Five group 1 patients and four group 2 patients were treated with hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) for inguinal cryptorchidism; their hormone profile and auxological parameters were assessed both pre- and post-hCG treatment.ResultsGroup 1 subjects showed significantly higher testicular volume and higher levels of AMH and INHB (p < 0.0001). Subjects who had undergone hCG therapy showed a significantly higher testicular volume, penis length (respectively, p = 0.008 and p = 0.0005 for group 1 and p = 0.04 and p = 0.001 for group 2) and T (p = 0.005 for group 1 and p = 0.004 for group 2).ConclusionsHGA patients undergoing early testosterone therapy show an earlier and persistent suppression of testicular secretory function. At this age, the testes are still responsive to stimulation with hCG. The selection of patients to be treated must be accompanied by a thorough clinical and hormonal evaluation.

Can the Wondfo® SARS-CoV-2 IgM/IgG antibodies be used as a rapid diagnostic test?

Background: An outbreak of novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) disease (COVID-19) has rapidly spread worldwide. The aim of this study was to evaluate and validate the performance of the Wondfo® lateral-flow immunochromatographic assay that detect SARS-CoV-2- IgG, IgM antibodies (Wondfo® IC), using the results obtained by the fluorescence immunoassay test as reference diagnostic. Material and methods: 97 serum specimens collected and analyzed by four independent laboratories of Sergipe/Brazil was used for validated the Wondfo® SARS-CoV-2 IgM/IgG antibodies test. The COVID-19 positive serum specimens were determined by fluorescence immunoassay technique, used as reference standard. Results: An overall of 97 serum specimens show 39 (39/97) SARS-CoV-2 IgG positive specimens, 33 (33/97) SARS-CoV-2 IgM positive specimen and 25 non-reagent specimens (25/97). However, the Wondfo® IC assay detected only 9 (9/97) IgM/IgG positive specimen and 25 (25/97) no-reagent specimen. A weak correlation was found between the outcomes of the Wondfo® IC assay and fluorescence test. The accuracy between the two tests was 32.08%. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of Wondfo® IC assay were of 11.12%, 100%, 100% and 25.27%, respectively. Moreover, no false positive sample was determinate, whereas 88.89% of false negative results were found. Conclusion: The Wondfo® IC test failed in providing a quick, valid, and reliable results and appears not to be a good alternative for clinical use in detecting pandemic coronavirus. However, if the limitations of the rapid test are known, some correction factors can be used in order to adjust the epidemiological data.

Detection and evaluation of SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid contamination in corona virus disease 19 ward surroundings and the surface of medical staff's protective equipment

To determine the environmental contamination degree of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) wards, to offer gui-dance for the infection control and to improve safety practices for medical staff, by sampling and detecting SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid from the air of hospital wards, the high-frequency contact surfaces in the contaminated area and the surfaces of medical staff's protective equipment in a COVID-19 designated hospital in Wuhan, China. From March 11 to March 19, 2020, we collected air samples from the clean area, the buffer room and the contaminated area respectively in the COVID-19 wards using a portable bioaerosol concentrator WA-15. And sterile premoistened swabs were used to sample the high-frequency contacted surfaces in the contaminated area and the surfaces of medical staff's protective equipment including outermost gloves, tracheotomy operator's positive pressure respiratory protective hood and isolation clothing. The SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid of the samples were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR. During the isolation medical observation period, those medical staff who worked in the COVID-19 wards were detected for SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid with oropharyngeal swabs, IgM and IgG antibody in the sera, and chest CT scans to confirm the infection status of COVID-19. No SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid was detected in the tested samples, including the 90 air samples from the COVID-19 wards including clean area, buffer room and contaminated area, the 38 high-frequency contact surfaces samples of the contaminated area and 16 surface samples of medical staff's protective equipment including outermost gloves and isolation clothing. Moreover, detection of SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid by oropharyngeal swabs and IgM, IgG antibodies in the sera of all the health-care workers who participated in the treatment for COVID-19 were all negative. Besides, no chest CT scan images of medical staff exhibited COVID-19 lung presentations. Good ventilation conditions, strict disinfection of environmental facilities in hospital wards, guidance for correct habits in patients, and strict hand hygiene during medical staff are important to reduce the formation of viral aerosols, cut down the aerosol load, and avoid cross-infection in isolation wards. In the face of infectious diseases that were not fully mastered but ma-naged as class A, it is safe for medical personnel to be equipped at a high level.

Effects of Environmentally Relevant Residual Levels of Diluted Bitumen on Wild Fathead Minnows (Pimephales promelas)

Transportation of crude oil across North America's boreal ecozone creates the potential for spills in freshwater where less is known about the sensitivity of resident fish than for marine systems. The sensitivity of wild fathead minnows (FHM) to residual concentrations (ppb range) of the water accommodated fraction (WAF) of diluted bitumen (dilbit) was assessed by exposing them for 21 days followed by a 14 days depuration. Target concentrations were well below detection limits for GC-MS, but were estimated by dilution factor (1:100,000 and 1:1,000,000 WAF:water) to contain less than 0.0003μg/L of polycyclic aromatic compounds. Confinement and handling stress caused by transfer of wild fish into tanks much smaller than their natural range resulted in mortality and lower body condition among all groups, but interactive effects of oil exposures still resulted in females with smaller cortical alveolar oocytes, and males with larger testicular lobe lumen sizes. Additional studies examining the compounded effects of stress and environmentally relevant oil exposures in wild fishes are needed.

Pituitary macroadenoma leading to hypogonadism in a dog

A six-year-old male entire dachshund presented for investigation of decreased testicular size noted over the last six months and progressive lethargy for two months. Apart from small symmetrical testicles and...

Performance and adaptability of common bean genotypes at different agro-ecological environments in Kagera region

Sixteen common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) genotypes were used to study the genotype by environment interaction and grain yield stability. The randomized complete block design was used with three replicates. Data on yield were analyzed using additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) model, genotype plus genotype by environment interaction (GGE) biplot model was used to display graphical representation of the yield data and the yield stability index (YSi). The analysis of variance of the AMMI model indicated that environments accounted for 56.9% of the total sum of square; genotypes effect explained 9.2% and the G x E interaction effect accounted 8.9% of the total sum of squares for the 16 genotypes tested across three environments and were all significant (P < 0.01). The average grain yield were 2.7, 1.38 and 1.20 t ha-1 for Karagwe, Bukoba and Muleba respectively. According the results, the GGE biplot revealed that, the genotypes SSIN 1240, SAB 659 and DAB 219, SMR 101, SMC 162 and DAB 602 showed greater stability with the average closer to the overall average of the tested genotypes. Therefore they are recommended to be used as varieties or parents for further improvement of available cultivars. Key words: Adaptability, Phaseolus vulgaris, Kagera, genotypes, environment.

Time and Area Optimized Testing of Automotive ICs

As cars become increasingly computerized and their safety functions evolve rapidly, the number of complex safety-critical components deployed in advanced driver assistance systems or autonomous vehicles is rising dramatically with high-end models containing hundreds of embedded microcontrollers. These integrated circuits must adhere to stringent requirements for high quality and long-term reliability driven by functional safety standards. This requires test solutions that address challenges posed by automotive systems. This article presents a scan-based test scheme optimizing test time and area overhead during manufacturing and in-system test of automotive electronics. The proposed scheme deploys observation test points that capture the faulty effects in every shift cycle into separate observation scan chains. To reduce area overhead, the scheme enables the sharing of flip-flops among control points. It is also shown how test points enhance test coverage (TC) in the presence of cascaded clock gaters. Finally, processing challenges when fault simulating every scan shift cycle to determine TC are addressed. Experimental results obtained for contemporary automotive designs and reported herein show significant improvements in test quality over traditional solutions.

Knowledge, beliefs and practices of university students regarding testicular cancer and testicular self-examination

Objective: Although seen rarely, testicular cancer remains to be a public health problem as it is the most common cancer type in males aged between 15 and 35 years. The aim of this study is to evaluate knowledge, beliefs and practices of male university students regarding testicular cancer and testicular self-examination. Methods: This descriptive study was conducted with 681 first-year university students between November and December 2016. The data were collected using a Descriptive Form, Testicular Cancer Questionnaire and the Champion’s Health Belief Model Scale (HBMS). Results: It was found that 91% of the students had no previous knowledge on testicular cancer, 88.3% had never heard of Testicular Self-Examination (TSE). Most of the students stated that they obtained information on testicular cancer and TSE from the internet. Students were found to have moderate level of perceived benefit, susceptibility, barrier, motivation/seriousness and self-efficacy with respect to testicular cancer and TSE. Conclusion: As a result of this research, it was found that university students lacked sufficient knowledge on testicular cancer and TSE. In order to improve the level of knowledge on testicular cancer and TSE, health professionals may provide trainings at universities, awareness may be raised among university students through elective courses and information may be disseminated via mass media.