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Objective: To assess the incidence of genital pain in patients with urethral stricture and examine the impact of urethroplasty. Genital pain is a common and challenging urological condition and potentially associated with urethral stricture.Methods: From 2011-2019, patients were offered enrollment in a prospective single-center study assessing patient-reported genital pain pre- and 6-months posturethroplasty. Genital pain was assessed with the question, "Do you experience genital (scrotum or penis) pain?" answered on a five-point scale ["Never" (1), "Occasionally" (2), "Sometimes" (3), "Most of the Time" (4) or "All of the Time" (5)]. Responses of 3, 4, or 5 were considered clinically significant. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare pre- and postoperative states and logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between genital pain and clinical variables.Results: Of the 387 patients completing enrollment, 36.4% (141/387) reported genital pain preoperatively. Patients with panurethral stricture reported higher rates (57.1%) of pain (Odds Ratio 2.93, 95%CI 1.32-6.50; P = .008). Posturethroplasty, pain scores improved with an incidence of 14.2% (P < .0001). In patients reporting preoperative pain, 88.7% (125/141) experienced improvement, 8.5% were unchanged and 2.8% reported worsening pain. On logistic regression, patients with penile strictures (O.R. 0.24, 95%CI 0.06-0.91; P = .04), hypospadias (O.R. 0.14, 95%CI 0.02-0.88; P = .04), and staged reconstruction (O.R. 0.22, 95%CI 0.05-0.90; P = .04) were less likely to report improvement.Conclusion: Genital pain is common in patients with urethral stricture and improves in the majority of patients undergoing urethroplasty but less so in patients with penile strictures, hypospadias and staged reconstruction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pyrethroids have been associated with a range of toxicological effects on various organs in animals.Recent animal studies suggest that neurodevelopmental, reproductive, and immunological effects may result following exposure to some pyrethroids at levels below those that induce overt signs of neurotoxicity. A variety of pyrethroids and their metabolites have the potential to affect the reproductive system. Dose-dependent effects on reproduction are associated with exposure across pyrethroid types. In mammals, permethrin and tetramethrin and cypermethrin have been found to be associated with adverse effects at high doses. Fenvalerate, deltamethrin, cypermethrin, caused morphometric and structural changes in the female genital organs. These pyrethroids affect ovulation, cause atresia of follicles, decrease the number of follicular cells, oocytes and corpora lutea and induce vesicular atrophy of the endometrial glands. The potential hormonal activity of pyrethroids showed that certain pyrethroids and their metabolites have multiple effects on the endocrine system. The level of steroid hormones, such as progesterone and estradiol, was inhibited. The pyrethorids may have the potential to mimic estrogens or to inhibit estrogen action. Some metabolites of pyrethroids, in particular permethrin and cypermethrin, are more likely to interact with the cellular estrogen receptors than the parent pyrethroids. Though several pyrethroids posses low toxicity, some pyrethroids, such as deltamethrin, cypermethrin, fenvalerate and bifenthrin have showed considerable toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structure of the female reproductive system of the calanoid copepods Calanus glacialis and Metridia longa from the White Sea was studied using light microscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, as well as confocal laser scanning microscopy. For the first time, we applied also the method of 3D reconstructions from semi-thin cross-sections to visualize the general plan of the reproductive system in both species. The application of a combination of methods provided novel and detailed information on the genital structures and muscles located in the genital double-somite (GDS) as well as structures used for the reception and storage of spermatozoa, fertilization and release of eggs. An unpaired ventral apodeme and associated muscles located in the GDS are described for the first time for calanoid copepods. The role of this structure in copepod reproduction is discussed. Stages of oogenesis and the mechanism of yolk formation in M. longa are studied using semi-thin sections for the first time. A combination of non-invasive (LM, CLSM, SEM) and invasive techniques (semi-thin sections and TEM) applied in this study substantially improves our understanding of the functioning of the genital structures in calanoid copepods and could be recommended as a standard set of methods for future research in the reproductive biology of copepods. • 3D reconstructions of the female reproductive system are presented for the first time for calanoids. • A combination of non-destructive and invasive methods allowed to describe fine details of the calanoids reproductive system. • Different organization of the GDS correlates with the differences in the reproductive strategies of the studied species. • For the first time, oogenesis is described for Metridia longa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study we describe the morphology of the male reproductive apparatus and sperm ultrastructure of the red palm weevil - an invasive pest of several palm tree species - as well as the most important steps of spermatogenesis. The reproductive apparatus consists of a pair of testes (each formed by two lobes) a long tube-like accessory gland, a prostate gland and a small accessory gland. Characteristic features of the sperm are 90-100µm total length, 10µm nucleus, two mitochondrial derivatives, two accessory bodies, one well-developed puff-like structure and a typical insect 9+9+2 flagellar axoneme. One of the methods used for the biological control of pests is the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT), for the evaluation of which we make a preliminary comparison of the sperm ultrastructure of non-irradiated and irradiated weevils (at a dose of 80Gray). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Careful management is necessary to ensure the reproductive success in any small ruminant farm and to maximise the productive longevity of rams and bucks. Rams and bucks are frequently overlooked outside of the breeding period, but year-round attention to nutrition, parasite control and general disease control is important in keeping them healthy and sound for breeding. Pre-mating soundness examinations are an inexpensive and relatively easy way to assess the potential ability of a ram or buck to perform during the breeding period and should be incorporated annually into the management of any flock. During the breeding period, careful thought should be given to the appropriate use of males, and the effectiveness of mating should be monitored. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The paper describes features of myiasis in a cohort of 163 dogs in an animal shelter, monitored over 3.5 years (4 fly activity seasons). Seven dogs (4 males, 3 females) were presented with myiasis; two dogs were presented twice with infestation in different areas of their body. The overall incidence rate (IR) of myiasis was 5.8 cases per 103 animal-months at risk, or else 0.0058 case per animal-month at risk. Six cases occurred from May to July and three from August to October, giving IRs of 7.7 per 103 animal-months and 3.9 per 103 animal-months, respectively, and an IR ratio of 1.97 (P =0.35). Five cases occurred in males and four in females, giving IRs of 7.8 per 103 animal months and 4.3 per 103 animal-months, respectively, and an incidence rate ratio of 1.78 (P =0.41). Three cases were diagnosed as cutaneous myiasis of the thigh, 2 cases as myiasis of the ear canal, 2 as myiasis of the prepuce, 1 as myiasis of the toes and 1 case as myiasis of the vagina. Median time from entrance into the shelter to infestation was 5 months; it was 1m in three dogs which were injured at entrance of animal into the shelter, but longer (5–15m) in the other four dogs. Larvae were identified as 2nd or 3rd stage instars of Wohlfahrtia magnifica. Signs characteristic of local inflammation, in the affected area of the body, were recorded. Treatment included mechanical removal of larvae, cleansing of the area, administration of injectable moxidectin and a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent. Complete recovery was achieved within 1.5 months, bar that of preputial infestations which required 2.5 months. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Monogyny in spiders culminates in extreme traits, like dramatic male self-sacrifice and emasculation of the male by the female during copulation. Here we show that monogynous males can be highly adapted for this fatal sexual behaviour. Dwarf males of the one-palped theridiid spider Tidarren argo, which are cannibalised immediately after the insertion of their single copulatory organ, stop spermiogenesis when reaching adulthood. Their testes atrophy, which might economise the energy expenditures of these males. We also found that the amount of seminal fluid produced is stored in an enlarged seminal vesicle until the single sperm induction takes place. The volume of the seminal vesicle is similar to the sperm droplet taken up into the copulatory organ (palpal organ). Sperm uptake takes much longer than in related species most likely due to the large amount of seminal fluid. As shown by histological observations males are able to fill one of the paired female sperm storage organs during copulation thereby presumably impeding subsequent charging by rival males. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Most dogs with natural CTVT presented with moderate to severe clinical disease. • Plasmacytic CTVT cytomorphology was more frequent than lymphocytic or mixed patterns. • No tumor resistance to chemotherapy was seen regardless of cytomorphological pattern. • Combination ivermectin/vincristine promoted tumor remission without enhancing adverse effects. • Combination ivermectin/vincristine was safe and efficacious for CTVT chemotherapy. Vincristine is the first-line drug for the chemotherapy of canine transmissible venereal tumor (CTVT). Drug resistance is related to tumor cyto-morphological patterns of CTVT. There are anti-cancer properties of ivermectin, thus, a combination of ivermectin and vincristine could be an effective chemo-therapeutic treatment regimen for CTVT. Study aims, therefore, were to (1) assess the frequency of CTVT cyto-morphologies, and (2) evaluate treatment efficacy and possible adverse reactions to vincristine compared with a combination vincristine and ivermectin. Dogs (n = 41) with CTVT were characterized by tumor cyto-morphology and disease severity and of those, 20 were randomly allocated into two groups. There was a control group (G-Vin; n = 10) in which there was treatment with vincristine; and an experimental group (G-Iv/Vin; n = 10) in which there was treatment with the ivermectin/vincristine combination. Although dogs in the G-Iv/Vin group had more severe disease at the beginning of the study (P = 0.0031), the number of weeks and chemotherapy sessions until tumor remission were similar among dogs of the two groups, indicating both treatments were effective. There was a decrease in the leukocyte counts (P = 0.0020), related to neutropenia (P = 0.0371) in the G-Vin but not the G-Iv/Vin treatment group. There was no tumor resistance that developed during the study regardless of the treatment regimen used or tumor cytomorphology. In summary, the use of the vincristine/ivermectin combination was well tolerated and efficacious for CTVT treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Non-cutaneous melanoma, including mucosal and uveal melanoma, is a rare neoplasm that accounts for only approximately 1% of all melanomas in the USA and 3.8% in Japan. Several studies have suggested that immune check point inhibitors (ICPis) have lower efficacy against non-cutaneous melanoma than cutaneous melanoma. To evaluate real-world outcomes, we conducted a retrospective analysis of nivolumab for non-cutaneous melanoma. Methods We reviewed 21 patients with unresectable or metastatic non-cutaneous melanoma treated with nivolumab in the first-line setting between Nov 2014 and Dec 2018. Response was assessed every 2-3 months by CT or MRI based on RECIST ver 1.1. Time-to-event analyses were calculated with Kaplan-Meier estimates. Adverse events were evaluated with CTCAE ver 4.0. Results Among the 21 patients, 13 were men and median age was 67 years (range, 47-85). Primary site was the nasal cavity or paranasal sinus/uvea/esophagus/rectum/genital/conjunctiva (n = 11/4/2/2/1/1). BRAF mutation was absent in all tumors. Overall response rate was 19% (95% confidence interval, 35-77%). With median follow-up for survivors of 13.1 months, 1-year overall survival was 59% (median, 8.2 months) and 1-year progression-free survival was 6.6% (median, 2.1 months). Six patients (29%) experienced immune-related adverse events (irAEs), including thyroid dysfunction (n = 4, all grade 2), liver enzyme elevation (n = 3, all grade 2), pigmentary change (n = 2, all grade 1), diabetes mellitus (n = 1, grade 3), and interstitial lung disease (n = 1, grade 2). All these irAEs were manageable. Regarding subsequent treatment, 6 patients received ipilimumab and 1 received pembrolizumab. However, no patient responded to subsequent ICPi. Conclusions In this retrospective analysis, nivolumab showed only modest efficacy against non-cutaneous melanoma and a manageable safety profile. Treatment for the unmet medical needs of non-cutaneous melanoma warrants further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]