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Translational Andrology and Urology Dec 2019A mild increase in testicular and epididymal temperatures in men, bulls and rams (pendulous scrotum) inhibits spermatogenesis and increases the percentage of sperm with...
BACKGROUND
A mild increase in testicular and epididymal temperatures in men, bulls and rams (pendulous scrotum) inhibits spermatogenesis and increases the percentage of sperm with an abnormal morphology. However, the stages of spermatogenesis that are most sensitive to a mild increase in testicular temperature in men are unknown. The aim of the present study was to explore the effects of a mild induced increase in testicular and epididymal temperature (i.e., testicular temperature maintained below the core body temperature) on sperm morphology in humans depending on the physiological time of spermatogenesis and epididymal transit.
METHODS
Five healthy volunteers were enrolled in an experimental study in which testicular and epididymal temperatures were increased by maintaining the testes in a supra-scrotal position with a specially designed underwear worn 15±1 h a day for 120 consecutive days. Semen collection was scheduled on specific days depending on spermatogenic stages and epididymal transit.
RESULTS
Sperm morphology and the multiple anomalies index (MAI) were analysed before, during and after heating. This mild induced increase in testicular and epididymal temperatures resulted in a significant rise in the percentage of morphologically abnormal spermatozoa on day 34 of heating, which remained elevated throughout the heating period and persisted until 45 days after cessation of heating. The MAI was significantly increased on day 20 throughout the heating period and persisted 45 days after cessation of heating. An increase in the percentage of anomalies in the sperm head, acrosome or tail occurred on days 34 and/or 45 of heating. Abnormal sperm morphology and MAI reverted to control values 73 days after cessation of heating.
CONCLUSIONS
A mild sustained increase in testicular and epididymal temperature in man leads morphological abnormalities in spermatozoa mainly due to an impairment of spermiogenesis and meiosis.
PubMed: 32038961
DOI: 10.21037/tau.2019.11.18 -
Animals : An Open Access Journal From... Dec 2023China has rich genetic resources of local pig breeds. In this study, whole-genome resequencing was performed on five Shanghai local pig breeds, aiming to analyze their...
China has rich genetic resources of local pig breeds. In this study, whole-genome resequencing was performed on five Shanghai local pig breeds, aiming to analyze their population genetic structure and unique genomic characteristics. Tens of millions of single nucleotide variants were obtained through the resequencing of a total of 150 individual pigs from five local pig breeds (Meishan, Fengjing, Shawutou, Pudong White, and Shanghai White) after mapping them with the pig reference genome of 11.1. The results of admixture structure analysis also clearly demonstrated the genetic differences between the Shanghai local pig breeds and the three commercial pig breeds (Duroc, Landrace, and Yorkshire). The genetic infiltration of Landrace and Yorkshire pig breeds in the SHW breed was detected, which is consistent with the early history of crossbreeding in this breed. Selective sweep analysis between four indigenous Shanghai pig breed populations and three commercial pig breed populations identified 270 and 224 genes with selective signatures in the commercial and indigenous Shanghai pig populations, respectively. Six genes (, , , , , and ) were found to be associated with animal growth in the commercial pig population through gene enrichment and protein-protein interaction analysis. In contrast, the gene in the indigenous Shanghai pig population was significantly under selection, which correlated with the long pendulous ear phenotype of the indigenous Shanghai pig population. In conclusion, this study is the first genomic profiling of five representative local pig breeds in Shanghai, which provides molecular genetic data and foundations for better conservation and utilization of local pig breed resources in Shanghai, China.
PubMed: 38067078
DOI: 10.3390/ani13233727 -
Two new pendulous epiphytic L. (Gesneriaceae) species from the Chocó forests of the Northern Andes.PhytoKeys 2022Exploratory field expeditions to the Chocó forests in the northwestern slopes of the Ecuadorian and Colombian Andes resulted in the discovery of two new species of...
Exploratory field expeditions to the Chocó forests in the northwestern slopes of the Ecuadorian and Colombian Andes resulted in the discovery of two new species of (Gesneriaceae). J.L.Clark & F.Tobar, , is described as a narrow endemic from Bosque Protector Mashpi and surrounding areas in the province of Pichincha in northern Ecuador. F.Tobar, J.L.Clark & J.F.Sm., , is described from recently discovered populations in the provinces of Carchi and Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas (Ecuador) and the departments of Cauca and Nariño in southwestern Colombia. The two new species are pendent epiphytes with elongate shoots and shallowly bilabiate to nearly tubular corollas. Descriptions, complete specimen citations, and a distribution map are provided. Based on IUCN guidelines, a preliminary conservation status of Critically Endangered (CR) is provided for and Endangered (EN) is provided for .
PubMed: 36762031
DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.196.79673 -
Cureus Oct 2023Massive localized lymphedema (MLL) is an emerging clinical phenomenon predominantly observed in morbidly obese individuals. It presents both diagnostic and therapeutic...
Massive localized lymphedema (MLL) is an emerging clinical phenomenon predominantly observed in morbidly obese individuals. It presents both diagnostic and therapeutic challenges to clinicians due to its characterization by large, pendulous masses in the abdomen or thigh. MLL may resemble malignant conditions, such as liposarcoma, leading to unnecessary invasive interventions. This study presents two case studies: a 74-year-old male who succumbed to postoperative complications and a 56-year-old female who experienced successful recovery. These cases highlight the urgent need for robust diagnostic criteria and evidence-based management approaches for MLL. In addition, further research exploring the pathogenesis, risk factors, and potential connections among MLL, hypothyroidism, and angiosarcoma is essential.
PubMed: 38021692
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.47092 -
American Journal of Men's Health May 2016This study aimed to report penile dimensions in adult Egyptian males consulting for small-sized penis (SSP) and describe their demographics and andrological profile. A...
This study aimed to report penile dimensions in adult Egyptian males consulting for small-sized penis (SSP) and describe their demographics and andrological profile. A case control study was designed through retrospective data analysis of patients (n = 239) seeking advice for SSP and a control group (n = 59). This included sociodemographics, other andrological complaints, and penile dimensions (pendulous length [PL], penopubic or total length [TL], and circumference [CF]) at flaccid and erect states and the size of the prepubic fatty pad. The results reported that most patients were single, students, and smokers and had not completed a university education. Several patients reported falsely premature ejaculation (PE), penile curvature (PC), and small-sized testes. Most penile dimensions of the patients (mean, cm) were significantly lower than those of the controls, whether in flaccid (PL: 7.4 vs. 8.05, p = .008; CF: 8.7 vs. 8.98, p = .026) or erect state (PL: 11.8 vs. 13, p = .000; TL: 14.2 vs. 15, p = .000; CF: 11.3 vs. 11.8, p = .003). However, no patient presented with a pendulous penile length <4 cm in flaccid or <7 cm in erect state. In conclusion, Egyptian men consulting for SSP did not have true small organs, but their penile dimensions were slightly smaller than those of men without such complaint. The proper sexual education program is highly advisable in these situations to avoid the myths and misconceptions about sexuality.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Case-Control Studies; Egypt; Humans; Male; Men; Middle Aged; Penis; Referral and Consultation; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 25563384
DOI: 10.1177/1557988314565167 -
ZooKeys 2022A new giant species is described from New South Wales, Australia. differs from described Australian species and is most similar to (Pallas, 1788), Izuka, 1912, and...
A new giant species is described from New South Wales, Australia. differs from described Australian species and is most similar to (Pallas, 1788), Izuka, 1912, and Ehlers, 1868. The unique combination of features that characterizes the new species is irregular articulated prostomial appendages; antennae reaching back beyond chaetiger 4; branchiae starting at chaetiger 10, initially button-shaped and distinctly longer than notopodial cirri where best developed; dorsal fleshy knobs on anterior chaetal lobes; notopodial cirri pendulous, abrupt tapering from inflated bases; bidentate compound falcigerous chaetae with both teeth directed laterally, distal tooth much shorter than proximal tooth in median and posterior chaetigers; and dark bidentate subacicular hooks starting at chaetiger 58, tapering to a small head with both teeth directed distally, and proximal tooth much larger than minute and spur-like distal tooth. This new species lives in sandy sediments in coastal waters 1-8 m deep. It is highly mobile and not easy to collect, which may explain why it was not described before.
PubMed: 36761804
DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1118.86448 -
Advances in Radiation Oncology 2021This study aimed to compare thermoplastic mask with bra in terms of setup reproducibility and immobilization of pendulous breasts during radiation therapy (RT).
Comparing Accuracy of Thermoplastic Mask versus Commercial Bra for the Immobilization of Pendulous Breast During Radiation Therapy Treatment: A Retrospective Cohort Study.
PURPOSE
This study aimed to compare thermoplastic mask with bra in terms of setup reproducibility and immobilization of pendulous breasts during radiation therapy (RT).
METHODS AND MATERIALS
Forty-two female patients with breast cancer treated with either intensity modulated RT or 3-dimensional conformal RT were retrospectively reviewed. Of these, 21 benefited from thermoplastic mask immobilization and 21 used a bra. Setup accuracy was evaluated using consecutive cone beam computed tomography/electronic portal imaging device sessions over the first 3 days before treatment (systematic setting), followed by weekly cone beam computed tomography/electronic portal imaging device (random settings), and compared with the reference image to calculate the corresponding translational shift (setup error) in the 3 planes. Average absolute shift values in both systematic and random settings were compared between the 2 groups. Accuracy was analyzed by comparing the percentage of pooled settings within ±0.05 and ±0.1 cm of the reference image.
RESULTS
Compared with a bra, use of the mask was associated with a smaller longitudinal shift in systematic settings (difference in mean: 0.27 cm; = .027; Mann-Whitney test) and a lesser lateral shift in random setting (difference in mean: 0.19 cm; = .005; Mann-Whitney test). In the pooled systematic settings, the mask performed relatively better than the bra in the lateral and longitudinal planes, with no statistical significance. In pooled random settings, mask showed greater accuracy than bra in the lateral plane with 86.0% versus 58.9% accuracy at ±0.5 cm ( < .001) and 48.8% versus 21.7% accuracy at ±0.1 cm ( < .001), respectively. There was no significant difference in the incidence of radiodermatitis between the 2 groups. However, a hypofractionation regimen was associated with a lower incidence of radiodermatitis, and the severity of skin reactions was positively correlated with treatment dose (unstandardized regression coefficient: B = .001; correlation coefficient: = .571; < .001).
CONCLUSIONS
Masks provide superior reproducibility compared with commercially available bras.
PubMed: 33665487
DOI: 10.1016/j.adro.2020.09.025 -
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) Oct 2022The bias stability performance of accelerometers is essential for an inertial navigation system. The traditional pendulous accelerometer usually has a flexible...
The bias stability performance of accelerometers is essential for an inertial navigation system. The traditional pendulous accelerometer usually has a flexible connection structure, which could limit the long-term bias stability. Here, based on the main technologies employed in previous space missions of our group, we developed a terrestrial triaxial navigation-compatible accelerometer. Because there is no mechanical connection between the inertial test mass and the frame, the bias performance relies on the stability of the equivalent electrostatic spring, where further sources are analyzed to get the optimal electrostatic force scheme. To investigate the bias stability under different ranges, the vertical and horizontal measurement ranges are designed at 5 g and ±10 mg, respectively. A low-noise high-voltage levitation scheme is adopted to extend the vertical measurement range from sub-mg to more than earth's 1-g gravity. Finally, the experimental validation results show that the 24-h bias stability of vertical and two horizontal directions come to 13.8 μg, 0.84 μg, and 0.77 μg, respectively.
PubMed: 36365801
DOI: 10.3390/s22218102 -
Indian Journal of Dermatology,... 2019Melasma is a common acquired hyperpigmentary disorder of the sun exposed skin, especially the face. The pathogenesis is unclear but interplay between genetic factors,... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
BACKGROUND
Melasma is a common acquired hyperpigmentary disorder of the sun exposed skin, especially the face. The pathogenesis is unclear but interplay between genetic factors, hormones and ultraviolet radiation is important. We have evaluated the histological characteristics of melasma and compared the findings with adjacent normal skin.
METHODS
Skin biopsies were taken from both melasma and the surrounding perilesional normal skin in 50 Indian women. The sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, Fontana-Masson and Verhoeff-Van Gieson stains.
RESULTS
Biopsy from melasma showed significant epidermal atrophy, basal cell hyperpigmentation and solar elastosis when compared with the perilesional skin. We found that the proportion of pendulous melanocytes was significantly higher in the lesional biopsy compared with the perilesional biopsy (76% vs 42%, P < 0.001). Similarly, pigmentary incontinence and features of solar elastosis were significantly higher in the lesional skin compared with the perilesional skin.
CONCLUSION
The characteristic histopathological features such as epidermal atrophy, basal cell hyperpigmentation and solar elastosis suggest the role of chronic sun exposure in the pathogenesis of melasma. Presence of pendulous melanocytes is a characteristic feature of melasma. The presence of pendulous melanocytes may have prognostic implications in melasma.
Topics: Adult; Atrophy; Biopsy; Cross-Sectional Studies; Epidermis; Facial Dermatoses; Female; Humans; Melanocytes; Melanosis; Middle Aged; Sunlight; Young Adult
PubMed: 30516167
DOI: 10.4103/ijdvl.IJDVL_866_17 -
Genes Nov 2017Salix matsudana is a large and rapidly-growing tree, with erect or spreading branchlets (upright willow). However, S. matsudana var. pseudomatsudana is one of the...
Salix matsudana is a large and rapidly-growing tree, with erect or spreading branchlets (upright willow). However, S. matsudana var. pseudomatsudana is one of the varietas, with pendulous branchlets (weeping willow). It has high ornamental value for its graceful pendulous branches. In order to study the molecular basis for this weeping trait, leaves and stems collected at different developmental stages were analyzed using RNA-seq coupled with digital gene expression. Although weeping trees are used worldwide as landscape plants, little is known about the genes that control weeping. Our growth results indicated that branches in weeping willow developed and elongated throughout all developmental stages, but branches in upright willow grew rapidly in the initial stages and then grew slowly and began shoot branching in the middle stages. A total of 613 hormone-related genes were differentially expressed in willow development. Among these, genes associated with auxin and gibberellin (GA) were highly likely to be responsible for the weeping trait, and genes associated with auxin and ethylene probably play crucial roles in shoot elongation. The genes with differential expression patterns were used to construct a network that regulated stem development, and auxin-related genes were identified as hub genes in the network in the weeping willow. Our results suggest an important role of gibberellin and auxin in regulating the weeping trait in Salix matsudana. This is the first report on the molecular aspects of hormonal effects on weeping trait in willow using transcriptomics and helps in dissecting the molecular mechanisms by which the weeping trait is controlled.
PubMed: 29189719
DOI: 10.3390/genes8120359