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Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) persistent infection is a major pathogenic factor for HPV-related cancers, such as cervical cancer (CC), vaginal cancer, vulvar cancer, anal cancer, penile cancer, and head and neck cancer (HNC). Since the introduction of the world's first prophylactic HPV vaccine, there has been a decline in the incidence of HPV infections and associated cancers. This article reviews the latest literature on the research progress, efficacy, and safety of HPV vaccines for these cancers, providing a reference for HPV vaccination strategy. Methods: By utilizing databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, CNKI, and Wanfang, we conducted a literature search on research papers related to HPV vaccines from 2014 to 2024, employing keywords such as "HPV", "HPV vaccine", "CC", "vaginal cancer", "vulvar cancer", "anal cancer", "penile cancer" and "HNC". Additionally, we reviewed the latest information available on official websites, including the World Health Organization (WHO). Based on the quality and relevance of the papers, we selected over 100 of the most representative articles for further summarization and analysis. Results: Vaccination against HPV can effectively block the transmission of the virus and prevent HPV-related cancers. Current studies have confirmed the efficacy and safety of prophylactic HPV vaccination. However, numerous challenges remain. The global vaccination rate for preventive vaccines remains low, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Nonetheless, in the future, we can enhance the accessibility, affordability, and coverage of HPV vaccines by expanding the indications of already licensed vaccines, continuously developing new vaccines. Conclusions: The HPV vaccine is an extremely effective measure for the prevention and treatment of HPV-related cancers. Although there are many challenges in expanding the coverage of the HPV vaccine. It is believed that in the not-too-distant future, both prophylactic and therapeutic HPV vaccines will achieve commendable results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genital herpes is caused by infection with herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2) and currently has no cure. The disease is the second-most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States, with an estimated 18.6 million prevalent genital infections caused by HSV-2 alone. Genital herpes diagnostics and treatments are not optimal, and no vaccine is currently available. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases convened a workshop entitled "CDC/NIAID Joint Workshop on Genital Herpes." This report summarizes 8 sessions on the epidemiology of genital herpes, neonatal HSV, HSV diagnostics, vaccines, treatments, cures, prevention, and patient advocacy perspective intended to identify opportunities in herpes research and foster the development of strategies to diagnose, treat, cure, and prevent genital herpes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) persistent infection is a major pathogenic factor for HPV-related cancers, such as cervical cancer (CC), vaginal cancer, vulvar cancer, anal cancer, penile cancer, and head and neck cancer (HNC). Since the introduction of the world’s first prophylactic HPV vaccine, there has been a decline in the incidence of HPV infections and associated cancers. This article reviews the latest literature on the research progress, efficacy, and safety of HPV vaccines for these cancers, providing a reference for HPV vaccination strategy. Methods: By utilizing databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, CNKI, and Wanfang, we conducted a literature search on research papers related to HPV vaccines from 2014 to 2024, employing keywords such as “HPV”, “HPV vaccine”, “CC”, ”vaginal cancer”, “vulvar cancer”, “anal cancer”, “penile cancer” and “HNC”. Additionally, we reviewed the latest information available on official websites, including the World Health Organization (WHO). Based on the quality and relevance of the papers, we selected over 100 of the most representative articles for further summarization and analysis. Results: Vaccination against HPV can effectively block the transmission of the virus and prevent HPV-related cancers. Current studies have confirmed the efficacy and safety of prophylactic HPV vaccination. However, numerous challenges remain. The global vaccination rate for preventive vaccines remains low, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Nonetheless, in the future, we can enhance the accessibility, affordability, and coverage of HPV vaccines by expanding the indications of already licensed vaccines, continuously developing new vaccines. Conclusions: The HPV vaccine is an extremely effective measure for the prevention and treatment of HPV-related cancers. Although there are many challenges in expanding the coverage of the HPV vaccine. It is believed that in the not-too-distant future, both prophylactic and therapeutic HPV vaccines will achieve commendable results.

Infertility is a problem that affects one out of seven couples and is defined as the inability to achieve pregnancy despite unprotected intercourse for 1 year. One of the most important enemies of infertile patients is time. In order to reveal the possible causes of infertility, importance should be given to the systematic, rapid, and cost-effective evaluation, and the evaluation should be started with the least invasive examinations. In the evaluation of an infertile woman, a detailed medical history, reproductive history, family history, and physical examination are required to reveal the anatomical and physiological causes of infertility. This evaluation process is also the most suitable period for giving pre-pregnancy counseling, providing necessary counseling for preventive medicine practices, and conducting genetic research and consultations if necessary. In the evaluation of infertility, the presence of ovulation, the structure and function of the female genital system, and semen analysis in the male partner should also be evaluated. During all these evaluation processes, the psychological morbidity caused by the inability to have children should also be taken into consideration and the couples should also be supported in this respect. In this review, it was aimed to present the steps to be followed in the evaluation of an infertile woman in the light of current literature.

In this study, we describe a new dancing semislug from a limestone hill area in northeastern Thailand. Cryptosemelus niger sp. nov. differs from the three recognized congener species from western and southern Thailand, due to differences in their body and shell lobes coloration, appearance of penial caecum, shape and surface texture of penis and epiphallus, and radula formula and morphology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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]

Abstract Tumors of the genital system are common and imaging is of crucial importance for their detection and diagnosis. Several non-neoplastic diseases may mimic these tumors and differential diagnosis may be difficult in certain cases. Misdiagnosing non-neoplastic diseases as tumor may prompt unnecessary medical treatment or surgical interventions. In this article, we aimed to present the imaging characteristics of non-neoplastic diseases of the male and female genital systems that may mimic neoplastic processes. Increasing awareness of the imaging specialists to these entities may have a severe positive impact on the management of these patients.

Infertility is a problem that affects one out of seven couples and is defined as the inability to achieve pregnancy despite unprotected intercourse for 1 year. One of the most important enemies of infertile patients is time. In order to reveal the possible causes of infertility, importance should be given to the systematic, rapid, and cost-effective evaluation, and the evaluation should be started with the least invasive examinations. In the evaluation of an infertile woman, a detailed medical history, reproductive history, family history, and physical examination are required to reveal the anatomical and physiological causes of infertility. This evaluation process is also the most suitable period for giving pre-pregnancy counseling, providing necessary counseling for preventive medicine practices, and conducting genetic research and consultations if necessary. In the evaluation of infertility, the presence of ovulation, the structure and function of the female genital system, and semen analysis in the male partner should also be evaluated. During all these evaluation processes, the psychological morbidity caused by the inability to have children should also be taken into consideration and the couples should also be supported in this respect. In this review, it was aimed to present the steps to be followed in the evaluation of an infertile woman in the light of current literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The widespread use of smartphones has led to the emergence of new mobile learning tools. The aim of this study was to compare traditional methods to mobile learning applications, and their effect on the academic achievement and anxiety levels of students learning genital system anatomy. This research study was a randomized controlled study conducted with students who took anatomy between November and December 2018. The cohort consisted of 63 students who met the sampling criteria. Groups (control = 31, experimental = 32) were randomly selected using a simple number table. The mobile application developed for the experimental group was installed on the students' mobile devices with the extension "genitalsystem.apk." The anatomy of the genital system was taught to the control group using the standard curriculum and to the experimental group using the mobile application. After teaching the anatomy of the genital system, the state anxiety levels of the students in the control group were determined to be higher at 45.6 (±8.7) than the experimental group at 40.4 (±8.3) as measured by the 20–80 point STAI scale. The posttest examination average of the control group was 8.9 (±6.9) out of 22 or 40.4 (±6.9)% and the posttest average of the experimental group using mobile application was 14.9 (±5.5) or 67.7 (±5.5)%. State anxiety levels and examination grades showed a highly significant difference in favor of the experimental group. These results indicate that using mobile applications when teaching anatomy may be an effective method to enhance learning and reduce anxiety levels when compared to the traditional teaching methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Postnatal penile length is a reliable, standardized, and widely used marker for the diagnosis of genitourinary pathology, as well as genetic and hormonal disorders. In contrast, prenatal diagnosis has not been developed equally and there is a lack of relevant literature. Our objective is to review the studies on fetal penile length, and apply findings to clinical practice. Although the most used technique is the outer penile length, there is no consensus regarding the appropriate technique for prenatal measurement. Several reports have provided reference data with high correlation. However, important issues like poor correlation with post-natal measures or presence of confounding variables are still present. Diagnosis of both a micropenis and macropenis can indicate related pathologies, and this information may benefit parental counseling and facilitate fetal management. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out prospective studies that provide reliable normative data.

Tumors of the genital system are common and imaging is of crucial importance for their detection and diagnosis. Several non-neoplastic diseases may mimic these tumors and differential diagnosis may be difficult in certain cases. Misdiagnosing non-neoplastic diseases as tumor may prompt unnecessary medical treatment or surgical interventions. In this article, we aimed to present the imaging characteristics of non-neoplastic diseases of the male and female genital systems that may mimic neoplastic processes. Increasing awareness of the imaging specialists to these entities may have a severe positive impact on the management of these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Penile varicose veins are a rare lesion described in human medicine. A seven-year-old intact Akita inu male dog presented with a red penile neoformation. It was further referred for a specialist andrological examination. During the visit, ultrasonography of genital apparatus and cytology of the penile lesion were performed. A suspected neoformation of vascular origin was observed on ultrasonography. Cytology was inconclusive as composition of the sample revealed blood elements only. The neoformation was surgically removed and the excised sample was submitted for the histological examination, which revealed an anomalous varicose dilatation of the venous vascular structures. In human medicine, varicose veins are part of the spectrum of chronic venous disease and include spider telangiectasia, reticular veins, and true varicosities. Reports of penile localization of varicose veins is rare in human medicine and, to the best of our knowledge, it has never been reported in veterinary medicine.

Background: Plastic surgery plays an essential role in the treatment of gender dysphoria. International standards of care currently consider genital and chest surgeries to be medically necessary. Ancillary procedures such as facial surgery, chondrolaryngoplasty, hair restoration/removal, and body contouring are considered cosmetic surgeries except in individual circumstances.Objective: The authors sought to assess the frequency of coverage provision for ancillary transition-related surgeries through a cross-sectional analysis of US insurance policies.Methods: The authors selected insurance companies based on state enrollment data and market share. Policies were identified through web-based search and telephone interviews. A list of eligible procedures was compiled and grouped into 5 categories: body masculinization, body feminization, facial procedures, hair restoration/removal, and chondrolaryngoplasty. Medical necessity criteria from publicly accessible policies were then abstracted.Results: Sixty-one insurance companies held an established policy. One-third of these policies offered favorable coverage for at least 1 ancillary procedure. Chondrolaryngoplasty was the most covered category (26%, n = 16), whereas body masculinization was the least covered (8%, n = 5). Almost two-thirds of the companies with favorable policies listed coverage criteria. We identified 4 recurring requirements: age, hormone therapy, continuous living in a congruent gender role, and referral from a mental health professional.Conclusions: There is a low prevalence of US insurance coverage for ancillary gender surgeries and wide variability in coverage criteria. Reevaluation of ancillary transition-related procedures from cosmetic to medically necessary based on clinical judgement or establishment of defined coverage criteria may augment coverage and better address the needs of transgender patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The time at which the protective effect of starting ART is achieved in male rectal and genital reservoirs is not clearly established.Objectives: To quantify HIV-1 RNA decay towards virological suppression in rectal mucosa and semen in MSM starting dolutegravir/abacavir/lamivudine (DTG/ABC/3TC).Methods: A longitudinal cohort study of ART-naive HIV-positive MSM was performed. HIV-1 RNA was quantified in rectal mucosa and seminal plasma samples at day 1 of ART initiation (baseline) and every 4 weeks until week 20 (w20; all participants) and week 64 (w64; 6 of 12 participants).Results: Twelve MSM, with median (IQR) age 36 (33-40) years and baseline CD4+ count 449 (411-503) cells/mm3, were included. At baseline, HIV-1 RNA was detectable in all plasma and seminal samples and 10/12 rectal samples. All participants achieved plasma virological suppression by w20, whereas HIV-1 RNA was detectable in 42% and 50% of seminal and rectal samples, respectively. At w64, HIV-1 RNA was detectable in 1/6 seminal and 1/6 rectal samples. A relationship of baseline seminal and rectal HIV-1 RNA levels with viral shedding in reservoirs (HIV-1 RNA >200 copies/mL or copies/swab) was found. In addition, a significant association of baseline plasma viral load with time to rectal HIV-1 RNA <200 copies/swab was found (P=0.025).Conclusions: Viral decay after initiating DTG/ABC/3TC is slower in rectal mucosa and semen than in plasma. Approximately half of patients achieved undetectable HIV-1 RNA levels in rectal and genital secretions at w20 and in some patients viral shedding persisted for up to 1 year. Initial plasma viral load influences time to rectal suppression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In the subspecialty of female genital cosmetic procedures, patient satisfaction and quality of life are key outcome measures. As such, valid and reliable patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) examining these outcomes are essential.Objectives: The authors sought to identify and scrutinize all PROMs developed for female patients undergoing genital cosmetic procedures.Methods: The authors performed a systematic literature review utilizing MEDLINE, PreMEDLINE, Ebase, Embase, OVID, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, PubMed, and Google Scholar to identify PROMs developed and validated for utilization in female genital cosmetic procedure patients. Instruments identified were assessed according to international guidelines for health outcome measures development and validation.Results: The authors identified 50 outcome questionnaires employed in the female genital cosmetic procedure literature. Of these, 26 were ad hoc instruments (ie, had not been formally developed and tested) and 22 were generic instruments (ie, intended for use in broad groups of people, not only specific patient groups). Only 2 instruments have been validated in a female genital cosmetic procedure patient population. These were the Genital Appearance Satisfaction scale and the Cosmetic Procedure Screening Scale-Labiaplasty. Although both these scales had undergone fairly rigorous psychometric development and validation, both had content limitations.Conclusions: There is a lack of specific, valid, and reliable satisfaction and quality-of-life PROMs in the field of female genital cosmetic procedures. Future research should involve the development of such measures to more accurately assess the outcomes and benefits of these procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Giardia Ancey, 1907, was proposed as a generic name for Indochinese tree snails with sinistral, transparent and elongated ovate to conic shells, which comprised Bulimus siamensis Redfield, 1853, and Bulimus rhombostomus Pfeiffer, 1861. Unfortunately, this generic name was preoccupied by protozoan parasite Giardia Künstler, 1882. There are no junior synonyms available for Giardia Ancey, 1907, so we propose a replacement generic name Anceyoconcha, and therefore new combinations, Anceyoconcha siamensis (Redfield, 1853) and Anceyoconcha rhombostoma (Pfeiffer, 1861), for the two species currently assigned to the genus. External morphology of shell, living body, radula, and genital system of both species are described and compared to other related genera, and the distinctiveness of Anceyoconcha is confirmed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Increased awareness of the international spread of the ceftriaxone-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae FC428 clone, which threatens recommended dual therapy, is essential. The objective of the present study was to develop and evaluate a rapid, simple and cost-effective method based on high-resolution melting (HRM) analysis for direct detection of the FC428 clone from clinical isolates and specimens.Methods: The singleplex HRM assay was designed to identify the FC428 clone by using specific primers, which flank the alteration A311V in the penA-60.001 allele. Analytical performance was initially evaluated by testing 623 isolates and a panel of non-gonococcal strains. To ensure the method can be directly applied in clinical samples, two internal control targets (opa and porA) were also designed and included in the final multiplex HRM assay. Two hundred and eighty-two clinical samples (94 urine and 188 urethral/genital swabs) were then analysed using this multiplex HRM assay.Results: The FC428 clone was easily differentiated from the non-mosaic alleles and other mosaic alleles without A311 mutations by comparing the differences in melt curves. Cross-reactivity was not observed for the penA-60.001 allele when testing 15 non-gonococcal Neisseria strains. When applied to the 623 isolates, the HRM assay successfully characterized one isolate as an FC428 clone (MLST1903, NG-MAST3435, NG-STAR233). Our data show that the multiplex HRM assay with high specificity can be directly applied in clinical samples.Conclusions: This method can generate results within 90 min at a cost of less than US$0.5 per isolate or sample, making this assay an ideal tool for large epidemiological studies to enhance surveillance of the internationally transmitted ceftriaxone-resistant N. gonorrhoeae FC428 clone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Influencing factors involved in the decision to undergo labiaplasty are evolving and show diversity among different settings and countries. Updated underlying motivators may assist in clinical decision-making and assessing outcomes from the patients' perspective.Objectives: Herein, the main motivators of women undergoing labiaplasty and sociodemographic features are discussed.Methods: Seventy-one patients who were scheduled for labiaplasty were assessed via an open-ended, well-detailed questionnaire to determine the main motivational factors from the patients' perspective. Validated questionnaires to measure genital self-image, self-esteem, body appreciation, attitude toward having cosmetic surgery, sexual dysfunction, and body-dysmorphic disorder were performed.Results: Half of the patients reported that they had an idea about the appearance of other women's genitalia (50.7%) and were influenced through the media (47.9%). The majority of those (71.8%) stated that they did not have normal genitalia and considered labiaplasty more than 6 months ago (88.7%). The pornography consumption rate in the last month was 19.7% and was significantly related with lower genital self-image and self-esteem. The main motivation was improvement in appearance (43.7%) and a better sexual life (26.8%). Patients reported aesthetic (52.1%), sexual (46.5%), and psychological (39.4%) reasons leading to their decision. Patient-reported 8-items of 11-item motivators for having labiaplasty were statistically consistent with validated questionnaires. The self-esteem and body appreciation of the patients were comparable to the literature. Genital self-image and sexual function were found to be impaired.Conclusions: The women's main motivator for labiaplasty was improvement in genital appearance integrated with their aesthetic and sexual demands. Eleven-item motivators derived from the statements of women seeking labiaplasty were determined in this study. Sociodemographic features and main motivators can conveniently be used as normative data for this population.Level Of Evidence:4: [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Female cosmetic genital surgery is rapidly growing. However, controversy reports raised around these procedures question their indications, motives, and safety. Warning against performing this surgery might unjustly restrict surgical alleviation of symptoms.Objectives: Through anonymous research, the authors explored patient characteristics and motivation, when women started to think about surgery, and effects of surgery on psychosocial and cosmetic aspects.Methods: Of 125 patients who underwent female cosmetic genital surgery at Oslo Plastic Surgery Clinic between 2010 and 2016, 69 patients were reachable by email. A questionnaire with 40 questions was completed anonymously. Answers were processed by a third, independent party via QuestBack return mail system.Results: The response rate was 77%. Mean follow-up time was 31.4 months. Mean patient age was 30.8 years. Motivations for surgery were cosmetic (69.8%), physical/practical (62.3%), emotional (54.7%), and intimate (49.1%). When emotional reasons were involved, media (39.7%), pornography (31.5%), and negative comments (28.8%) influenced the decision to undergo surgery. Genital concerns had negative effects on self-esteem (63.2%) and sexual attractiveness (57.9%) among others; 90.5% thought about surgery for more than 1 year. The overall cosmetic result was satisfactory for 69.8%, and the operation as a whole was satisfactory for 75.5%.Conclusions: Age, level of education, and gross income of patients who underwent this surgery seem high compared with those of breast implant patients. Genital dissatisfaction arose early in life and affected various psychosexual aspects. Most patients are satisfied with the outcome of surgery and would recommend this surgery to others. Additional anonymous multicenter studies are recommended.Level Of Evidence:4: [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plastic surgery relies on photography for both clinical practice and research. The Photographic Standards in Plastic Surgery laid the foundation for standardized photography in plastic surgery. Despite these advancements, the current literature lacks guidelines for genital photography, thus resulting in a discordance of documentation. The authors propose photographic standards for the male and female genitalia to establish homogeneity in which information can be accurately exchanged. All medical photographs include a sky-blue background, proper lighting, removal of distractors, consistent camera framing, and standard camera angles. We propose the following guidelines to standardize genital photography. In the anterior upright position, feet are shoulder-width apart, and arms are placed posteriorly. The frame is bounded superiorly by the xiphoid-umbilicus midpoint and inferiorly by the patella. For circumferential documentation, frontal 180 degree capture via 45 degree intervals is often sufficient. Images in standard lithotomy position should be captured at both parallel and 45 degrees above the horizontal. Images of the phallus should include both the flaccid and erect states. Despite the increasing incidence of genital procedures, there lacks a standardized methodology in which to document the genitalia, resulting in a substantial heterogeneity in the current literature. Our standardized techniques for genital photography set forth to establish a uniform language that promotes more effective communication with both the patient as well as with colleagues. The proposed photography guidelines provide optimal visualization and standard documentation of the genitalia, allowing for accurate education, meaningful collaborations, and advancement in genital surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Examine HIV-1 plasma viral load (PVL) and genital tract (GT) viral load (GVL) and drug resistance in India.Methods: At the YRG Centre for AIDS Research and Education, Chennai, we tested: PVL in women on first-line ART for ≥6 months; GVL when PVL >2000 copies/mL; and plasma, genital and proviral reverse transcriptase drug resistance when GVL >2000 copies/mL. Wilcoxon rank-sum and Fisher's exact tests were used to identify failure and resistance associations. Pearson correlations were calculated to evaluate PVL-GVL associations. Inter-compartmental resistance discordance was evaluated using generalized estimating equations.Results: Of 200 women, 37% had detectable (>400 copies/mL) PVL and 31% had PVL >1000 copies/mL. Of women with detectable PVL, 74% had PVL >2000 copies/mL, of which 74% had detectable GVL. Higher PVL was associated with higher GVL. Paired plasma and genital sequences were available for 21 women; mean age of 34 years, median ART duration of 33 months, median CD4 count of 217 cells/mm3, median PVL of 5.4 log10 copies/mL and median GVL of 4.6 log10 copies/mL. Drug resistance was detected in 81%-91% of samples and 67%-76% of samples had dual-class resistance. Complete three-compartment concordance was seen in only 10% of women. GT-proviral discordance was significantly larger than plasma-proviral discordance. GT or proviral mutations discordant from plasma led to clinically relevant resistance in 24% and 30%, respectively.Conclusions: We identified high resistance and high inter-compartmental resistance discordance in Indian women, which might lead to unrecognized resistance transmission and re-emergence compromising treatment outcomes, particularly relevant to countries like India, where sexual HIV transmission is predominant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To investigate the efficacy of cidofovir to block gammaherpesvirus replication in the context of sexual transmission.Methods: A luciferase-expressing strain of murid herpesvirus 4 (MuHV-4) was used to monitor genital virus excretion from infected female BALB/c mice and sexual transmission to naive males. The efficiency of cidofovir to block genital excretion from infected females or replication and host colonization of naive males after sexual contact was tested by treating infected females (either once daily or at a single timepoint), naive males before exposure (either once daily or at a single timepoint) or males 24 h post-exposure.Results: We showed that daily treatment of infected females can reduce MuHV-4 genital shedding by 75%. Similarly, daily preventive treatment of naive males was sufficient to block viral replication and latency establishment in males. In contrast, a single administration of cidofovir to infected females at day 14 post-infection or to naive males 2 to 6 days before contact with MuHV-4-excreting females was not sufficient to significantly reduce viral shedding from females or infection of males, respectively. Interestingly, a single administration of cidofovir to males 24 h after contact with MuHV-4-infected females excreting the virus in the genital tract significantly reduced virus replication in males and seroconversion.Conclusions: Altogether, our results show that cidofovir can significantly reduce gammaherpesvirus replication, excretion and colonization of the naive partner in the context of sexual transmission. Such treatments could therefore be recommended in some specific conditions where gammaherpesvirus infections could be deleterious. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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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]

Background Yeasts are commensal organisms found in the reproductive and gastrointestinal tracts, and on the skin and other mucosa in mammals. Objectives The purpose of this study was to isolate and identify yeast flora in the caudal reproductive tract in healthy female horses. Study design Longitudinal study. Methods A total of 453 samples were collected using double-guarded swabs from the vestibule, clitoral fossa and vagina in 151 horses. All samples were cultured on Sabouraud 4% dextrose agar and incubated at 35°C for 7-10 days. Isolates were identified according to their morphological characteristics and biochemical profiles. Results Yeast colonies were isolated from 60 (39.7%) of the 151 horses. The isolated yeasts belonged to nine genera, and included Candida spp. (53.2%), Cryptococcus spp. (12.2%), Saccharomyces spp. (10.5%), Geotrichum spp. (8.0%), Rhodotorula spp. (7.1%), Malassezia spp. (3.7%), Trichosporon spp. (2.6%), Kluyveromyces spp. (2.6%) and Sporothrix spp. (0.2%). Candida krusei (43.1%) was the most frequent Candida species isolated. There was a significant difference in prevalence between C. krusei and other Candida species (P<0.05). The vestibule contained more yeast isolates (48.0%) than the vagina (18.3%). The isolation of yeast colonies from multiparous females (76.8%) was significantly higher than from maiden mares (P<0.05). Main limitations The study was limited by the difficulty of distinguishing between normal flora and potential pathogens. Conclusions Candida spp., in particular C. krusei, represent important flora resident in the caudal reproductive tract in healthy female horses. This is particularly important in contexts that require the initiation of empirical treatment prior to the completion of culture results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Os arquivos de biópsia do período de 2000 a 2010 do SPV-UFRGS foram revisados e levantados os casos de neoplasias mesenquimais de genitália (útero, cérvix, vagina e vulva) de cadelas. Realizou-se estudo retrospectivo de 43 casos, incluindo caracterização histológica, coloração tricrômico de Masson (TM) e imuno-histoquímica (IHQ). As principais raças acometidas foram Cocker, Poodle e Pastor Alemão, porém o maior número de casos foi observado em cães sem raça definida (SRD). A idade média dessas cadelas foi de 10,6 anos (variação de 3 a 10 anos). Quanto à localização dos tumores, 44,2% estavam na vagina, 27,9% no útero, 23,3% na vulva e 4,6% na cérvix. Histologicamente, 46,5% eram leiomioma, 41,9% fibroleiomioma, 7,0% fibroma e 4,6% leiomiossarcoma. Na coloração de TM, os fibromas apresentaram todas as células neoplásicas coradas em azul (colágeno), os leiomiomas e os leiomiossarcomas apresentaram menos de 50% de colágeno em meio às células neoplásicas musculares e os fibroleiomiomas mais de 50%. Na IHQ, os fibromas apresentaram marcação positiva para vimentina e negativa para desmina. Todos os leiomiomas eram positivos para vimentina (em mais de 50% células) e para desmina (75% dos casos em mais de 50% das células e 25% em menos de 50%). Em um dos casos de leiomiossarcoma houve imunomarcação para vimentina e ausente para desmina e, no outro, ocorreu o oposto. Os fibroleiomiomas apresentaram marcação para vimentina em 94,4% (em mais de 50% células) e para desmina em 77,8% (64,3% em menos de 50% das células e 35,7% em mais de 50%).The biopsies archives from SPV-UFRGS (2000-2010) were retrieved, and cases of mesenchymal neoplasms of genitalia (uterus, cervix, vagina, and vulva) of 43 bitches were revised. Also Masson's trichrome staining (MT) and immunohistochemical characterization were evaluated. The main breeds affected were Cocker, Poodle and German Shepherd, but the greatest number of cases were observed in mixed breed dogs. The average age of the bitches was 10.6 years (3-10 years of age). The anatomical locations of the neoplasms were vagina (44.2%), uterus (27.9%), vulva (23.3%) and cervix (4.6%). Histologically, 46.5% were classified as leiomyoma, 41.9% as fibroleiomyoma, 7.0% as fibroma, and 4.6% as leiomyosarcoma. In MT staining, the fibroma had all neoplastic cells stained blue (collagen), the leiomyomas and leiomyosarcomas had less than 50% of collagen among the muscle neoplastic cells, and the fibroleiomyomas had more than 50% of collagen. Positive immunostaining for vimentin and absence for desmin was observed in fibroma. Leiomyomas were positive for vimentin in more than 50% of the cells, and for desmin (in 75% of the cases in more than 50% of the cells, and in 25% less than 50%). Regarding leiomyossarcomas, one case had immunostaining for vimentin and absence for desmin, and the opposite occurred in the other. Fibroleiomyomas were positive for vimentin in 94.4% (in more than 50% of the cells) and for desmin in 77.8% (64.3% in less than 50% of the cells, and 35.7% in more than 50% of the cells).

A leishmaniose visceral canina (LVC) é uma doença parasitária crônica causada por protozoários pertencentes ao gênero Leishmania. No Brasil, a transmissão se dá, principalmente, pela ação hematófaga de insetos vetores pertencentes à subfamília Phlebotominae, particularmente, a espécie Lutzomyia longipalpis. Todavia, a trasmissão vertical e venérea da LVC está presente. Os principais sinais clínicos observados nos animais acometidos pela LVC são linfoadenomegalia, dermatopatias, hepatoesplenomegalia, onicogrifose e oftalmopatias, contudo quadros atípicos podem ser observados, inclusive com o envolvimento do sistema genital. Dessa forma, o objetivo deste artigo é realizar revisão sobre as principais patologias genitais em cães machos e fêmeas com leishmaniose visceral (LV).The canine visceral leishmaniasis (CanL) is a chronic parasitic disease caused by protozoa belonging to the genus Leishmania. In Brazil, the transmission occurs mainly by the action of blood-sucking insects belonging to the subfamily Phlebotominae, particularly the Lutzomyia longipalpis species. However, the venereal and vertical transmission of the CanL is present. The main clinical signs observed in animals affected by the CanL are lymphadenopathy, skin diseases, hepatosplenomegaly, onychogryphosis and ophthalmopathy, however atypical manifestations can be observed, including the involvement of the genital system. Thus, the aim of this paper is to review on the major pathologies in genital male and female dogs with visceral leishmaniasis (VL).

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 this study, we describe a new dancing semislug from a limestone hill area in northeastern Thailand. Cryptosemelusniger sp. nov. differs from the three recognized congener species from western and southern Thailand, due to differences in their body and shell lobes coloration, appearance of penial caecum, shape and surface texture of penis and epiphallus, and radula formula and morphology., (Sakboworn Tumpeesuwan, Kitti Tanmuangpak, Chanidaporn Tumpeesuwan.)

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]

This study was aimed to investigate the functional morphology of copulation and sperm transfer in the invasive snail Pomacea canaliculata. Three-dimensional renderings of the male copulatory apparatus were made and showed elaborate systems for innervation and for hemolymph supply and drainage. A key component of the male copulatory apparatus is the penial sheath, which shows three specialized glands; the medial and distal glands may participate in adherence to the mantle cavity wall of the female during copulation. The outer gland has an epithelium composed of columnar cells with branched microvilli, mucous goblet cells and large granular secretory cells containing intragranular crystalloids, which produce an exocrine secretion during copulation. The interaction of male/female copulatory organs was studied in dissections of snap-frozen pairs. Sperm are left in the sperm pit, at the end of the pallial spermiduct. Afterwards, the muscular action of the penial bulb takes the sperm up to the vermiform penis, which slides from the penial pouch into the central groove of the penial sheath, and it later emerges through a T-shaped sulcus of this structure and enters the female vagina. Then, it climbs through the capsule duct, and its tip reaches the proximity of the seminal receptacle. A model of copulation and sperm transfer is presented on the basis of the new findings and on published literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Transmissible venereal tumor (TVT) is a neoplasm of round cells, that affects exclusively the canine specie. The etiology of the tumor is unknown, but the hystiocitic hipothesis is the more accepted. It is transmitted principally by the venereal form, but the inplant of cells can cause the disease. The clinic signs of the neoplasia are typical and include tumoral friable mass (in shape of cauliflower), that bleed easily. The most common localization is external genitalia, but the tumor can appears in skin surface and other organs. TVT grows rapidly (progressive phase) after transplantation, followed by a static phase (without cell proliferation) and then may regress spontaneously (stage of regression). The regression of the neoplasia is associated with increased infiltration of T lymphocytes and macrophages in the tumor and characterized by increased apoptosis of tumor cells and fi brosis. The diagnosis of TVT is usually done by the physical aspect of the tumor, and confirmed by cytology or histopathology. TVT can be prevented by castration of the animals. The treatment of TVT is usually performed with vincristine, which has side effects, requires care in its application, and has a relatively high cost. Thus, new therapeutic low-cost alternatives are suggested, as is the case of autohemotherapy. The autohemotherapy technique consists of administration of autologous whole blood intramuscularly. In veterinary practice has been used successfully to treat bovine papillomatosis and other diseases. Probably the mechanism of action of autohemotherapy is to enhance organic immunity. This report aimed to evaluate the behavior of the transmissible venereal tumor in six dogs with naturally transplanted tumor after treatment with autohemotherapy. Materials, Methods & Results: Six adult bitches were clinically examined and all presented transmissible venereal tumor located in external genitalia, adquired by natural transmission. Cytological examination confirmed the diagnosis of TVT. The bitches were kept in kennels by one week before treatment, and it was not observed natural regression of tumor mass. After this time the animals were submitted to treatment with autohemotherapy, which consisted of application of autologous whole blood in the gluteal muscles, at dose of 10 mL. The applications were made weekly for seven weeks. All tumors were measured before and after autohemotherapy and, also weekly during the treatment. All tumors were friable and bleeding easily, multilobulated, nodulares, cauliflower-like shape, pale-pink to pale red, with surface smooth or irregular. In some animals there were signs of secondary infection. In general, the measurement of tumor ranged from 3.0 cm to 7.1 cm before of autohemotherapy. After treatment it was observed, macroscopically, a decrease of the tumoral mass in three dogs Discussion: It was established as criterion for stopping treatment the time of seven weeks. Possibly if the treatment had been extended the regression could have been completed. Probably autohemotherapy increased immunity and, consequently, contributed to increase the body's resistance against TVT, producing regression of tumoral mass. Therefore, the autohemotherapy led to macroscopic partial regression of the tumor in 50% of animals subjected to this treatment, stimulating further research in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The morphological diversity of the ovaries from a total of 90 species of teleosts in the Mexican fauna was analyzed. Ovaries were classified according to the following characters: their number, symmetry, fusion grade, trajectory, cross section, and topographical location. The fusion of both left and right ovaries was the character showing most diversity, mainly in the Cyprinodontiformes and its tendency to the viviparity. However, the most notably character was the extravisceral development of the ovaries in the Pleuronectiformes, implying the forward orientation of the gonoduct and the forward position of the female genital opening. The urogenital system of a typical perciform, Bairdiella chrysoura is proposed as a morphological pattern of the Teleostei. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The canine visceral leishmaniasis (CanL) is a chronic parasitic disease caused by protozoa belonging to the genus Leishmania. In Brazil, the transmission occurs mainly by the action of blood-sucking insects belonging to the subfamily Phlebotominae, particularly the Lutzomyia longipalpis species. However, the venereal and vertical transmission of the CanL is present. The main clinical signs observed in animals affected by the CanL are lymphadenopathy, skin diseases, hepatosplenomegaly, onychogryphosis and ophthalmopathy, however atypical manifestations can be observed, including the involvement of the genital system. Thus, the aim of this paper is to review on the major pathologies in genital male and female dogs with visceral leishmaniasis (VL). [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]

Penile varicose veins are a rare lesion described in human medicine. A seven-year-old intact Akita inu male dog presented with a red penile neoformation. It was further referred for a specialist andrological examination. During the visit, ultrasonography of genital apparatus and cytology of the penile lesion were performed. A suspected neoformation of vascular origin was observed on ultrasonography. Cytology was inconclusive as composition of the sample revealed blood elements only. The neoformation was surgically removed and the excised sample was submitted for the histological examination, which revealed an anomalous varicose dilatation of the venous vascular structures. In human medicine, varicose veins are part of the spectrum of chronic venous disease and include spider telangiectasia, reticular veins, and true varicosities. Reports of penile localization of varicose veins is rare in human medicine and, to the best of our knowledge, it has never been reported in veterinary medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The female atrial system of members of the Polycystididae has been studied at the light microscopical level and compared among the constituent taxa. Based on the criteria of position and conjunction, hypotheses of homology are put forward and compared with the assessments of homology found in earlier literature. Contradictory terminology is synonymized and adapted to fit new findings that recognize homology among structures in different taxa. Based on differences in position and structure, 2 types of female duct are recognized: female duct type I and female duct type II. The term“female bursa” is restricted to a sperm resorbing organ at the proximal end of the female duct type I and/or at the end of a common oviduct. Some species have bundles of glands at the place where the oviduct(s) enter the female duct type I, which are considered homologous among these species. Different types of seminal receptacles are recognized. The term“insemination duct” is restricted to the ducts which in some species, in addition to the oviducts, connect the ovaries with the female duct type I. A single muscular duct, the common oviduct, connects the joined oviducts with the female duct type I in species of Duplacrorhynchus and is considered homologous with the similar duct present in some other species. A uterus is always present, entering the common genital atrium through its frontal wall, or entering a female duct type II. This morphological review of the female atrial system reveals a mosaic distribution of characters if applied to previous phylogenies that are based primarily on the male reproductive system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]