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Abstract Objective To investigate the anogenital distance in patients with and without testicular microlithiasis (TML). Methods A total of 101 patients underwent a conventional standard clinical B-mode scrotal ultrasonography and scrotal MRI. The patients were divided into two groups: patients with TML and non-TML. The latter served as control group. The anogenital distance was measured by a straight line from center of the anus to the posterior base of scrotum using MRI. Results In the TML group, mean AGD was 5.4 (± 1.07) cm (range 29–79 mm), and in non-TML 5.9 (± 1.03) cm (range 35–85 mm) (p = 0.04). Conclusion MRI is a useful tool to measure the AGD. It is easy to perform without any discomfort to patients. We found AGD to be lower in patients with TML.

In the 1970s, sperm cryopreservation was presented as a unique route to fertility preservation. The ability to cryopreserve sperm from all species is challenging. The sperm cryopreservation process encompasses various cellular stresses such as increased osmotic pressure, ice crystal formation, and thermal shock, therefore decreasing the quality of sperm. The nanostructures due to their inherent features such as reactivity, high uptake, active surface area, and antioxidant activity, have contributed to modifying freezing protocols. In this review, the current state of the art with regards to emerging applications of nanotechnology in sperm cryopreservation are reviewed, some of the most promising advances are summarized, and the limitations and advantages are comprehensively discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Worldwide the incidence of andrological diseases is rising every year and, together with it, also the interest in them is increasing due to their strict association with disorders of the reproductive system, including impairment of male fertility, alterations of male hormones production, and/or sexual function. Prevention and early diagnosis of andrological dysfunctions have long been neglected, with the consequent increase in the incidence and prevalence of diseases otherwise easy to prevent and treat if diagnosed early. In this review, we report the latest evidence of the effect of andrological alterations on fertility potential in both young and adult patients, with a focus on the link between gonadotropins’ mechanism of action and mitochondria. Indeed, mitochondria are highly dynamic cellular organelles that undergo rapid morphological adaptations, conditioning a multitude of aspects, including their size, shape, number, transport, cellular distribution, and, consequently, their function. Since the first step of steroidogenesis takes place in these organelles, we consider that mitochondria dynamics might have a possible role in a plethora of signaling cascades, including testosterone production. In addition, we also hypothesize a central role of mitochondria fission boost on the decreased response to the commonly administrated hormonal therapy used to treat urological disease in pediatric and adolescent patients as well as infertile adults.

The incidence of testicular cancer is steadily increasing over the past several decades in different developed countries. If on one side better diagnosis and treatment have shone a light on this disease, on the other side, differently from other malignant diseases, few risk factors have been identified. The reasons for the increase in testicular cancer are however unknown while risk factors are still poorly understood. Several studies have suggested that exposure to various factors in adolescence as well as in adulthood could be linked to the development of testicular cancer. Nevertheless, the role of environment, infections, and occupational exposure are undoubtedly associated with an increase or a decrease in this risk. The aim of this narrative review is to summarize the most recent evidence regarding the risk factors associated with testicular cancer, starting from the most commonly evaluated (cryptorchidism, family history, infections) to the newer identified and hypothesized risk factors.

ANDRONET COST ACTION One of the arguably greatest achievements in the history of the EAA - in terms of international cooperation in andrology - was the funding from the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) for the EAA-initiated network ANDRONET.1 We are grateful to B Rafael Oliva b for his hard work coordinating the application. A more detailed report is available on the EAA website: www.andrologyacademy.net/eaa-budapest-school The 23rd EAA Clinical Andrologist examination was held in conjunction with the school. Keywords: European Academy of Andrology EN European Academy of Andrology 619 624 6 04/22/22 20220501 NES 220501 A NOTE FROM THE PRESIDENT GRAPH Dear Colleagues, After a very stressful 2020, we went through the equally difficult 2021. The EAA members are encouraged to use the portal and update their information on the EAA website: https://andrologyacademy.net/portal/. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Previous meta‐analyses concluded that there is a decline in sperm parameters over time. This conclusion might be incorrect due to inherent biases or focusing only on a single parameter – sperm concentration. Objective: To study trends in sperm parameters over the past 20 years using data from the trials that defined the reference ranges of the World Health Organization manual. Materials and methods: Retrospective evaluation of the data used to define the World Health Organization reference ranges. The data from 11 studies, including 3589 participants between 1996 and 2016, were divided into three period groups based on the decade of study. Differences in semen parameters' distribution were presented in boxplot. p‐values were calculated by the Kruskal–Wallis rank‐sum test followed by Dunn post hoc test. Analyses were conducted using the R programming language. Results: A small decrease was noted in mean sperm concentrations (88.1 million/ml, 87.6 million/ml, and 77.2 million/ml for the first, second, and third decades, respectively) (p < 0.01). However, the 5th percentile of sperm concentration for the third decade was higher than the first or second decades (18 million/ml versus 14.9 million/ml and 15 million/ml, respectively). No significant differences were noted in progressive motility over the years (p = 0.32). The percent of morphologically normal sperm decreased between the first (24.2%) and the second (12.6%) periods of the study (p < 0.001) and then increased in the third decade (14.2%) (p < 0.01). Total motile sperm count (TMC) declined between the second and third decades (189 million and 153.9 million, respectively, p < 0.001), at levels unlikely to decrease fertility. However, the 5th percentile of the TMC remained stable at 24.9, 20.8, and 20.6 million, for the first, second, and third decades respectively (p = 0.36). Discussion and conclusion and relevance: Trends in sperm parameters over the last three decades do not seem to be clinically significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Testicular hydrocele is an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the tunica vaginalis, usually related to injury or inflammation in the scrotum. This study aims to report the use of ultrasound and histopathological exams for the diagnosis of testicular hydrocele in swine. The boar showed increased testicular volume, with edema and stiffening of the testes, without signs of algesia. In the ultrasound examination, there were delimited regions of low echogenicity. In the histopathological examination the findings were compatible with hydrocele. The clinical manifestations and the results of the ultrasound examination in the present study allowed the diagnosis of hydrocele. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common eczematous skin disease that is chronically relapsing. Interleukin - 1-beta (IL-1β) is a pivotal agonist member of the IL-1 family that plays a master role in the induction of an adequate immune response to regulate the sweeping of the diseased cells physiologically. Objective: The aim was to clarify the possible participation of a certain IL (IL-1 beta) in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis. Patients and Methods: This case-control study has been conducted in the Dermatology, Venereology and Andrology Department at Zagazig University Hospitals. Our present study included 30 atopic patients and 30 apparently healthy control subjects of matched age and sex. Serum IL-1β level was measured. Results: Gender had no significant effect on serum Il-1β in all groups. Duration of the disease showed a non-significant positive one in atopic patients. The severity of the disease showed a significant positive correlation in atopic patients and similarly, the disease score did. There was a significant difference in serum IL-1β among the three degrees of severity in a topic patients. Conclusion: IL-1β serum level was found in patients with moderate to severe cases of atopic dermatitis, marking the systemic inflammatory nature of these diseases. On the other hand, IL-1β serum level was around normal values in the control group. These mentioned findings were supported by the statistical evaluations on the relationship between serum IL-1β level, severity scores of AD (SCORAD score) and clinical observations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cycle use has grown rapidly over the last few years in the UK. British Cycling membership has increased threefold since the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and this is likely to rise in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic. As urologists, day-to-day encounters with cyclists are commonplace, who may present with acute traumatic injuries or chronic overuse injuries. The aim of this literature review was to evaluate the effect of cycling on conditions presenting to the urology clinic, in particular those of raised prostate-specific antigen (PSA), haematuria and soft-tissue lesions ('cyclist nodules'). Furthermore, the review aimed to summarize the relationship between cycling and pudendal nerve entrapment (PNE) syndromes. A PubMed search of the literature on cycling and genitourinary disorders was performed. The literature suggests no significant change in PSA levels after a bout of cycling. Age appears to have no effect on the change in PSA experienced following a bout of cycling, in particular when comparing those <50 years of age to those >50 years of age. Haematuria appears to be rare with cycling but has been described, even with stationary bike riding. It is imperative to exclude coexisting urinary-tract pathological conditions, and cycling-induced haematuria should always be considered a diagnosis of exclusion. Perineal nodular induration ('cyclist nodules') is a rare condition, related to pressure and repetitive micro-trauma between the perineum and saddle. Pudendal Nerve Entrapment (PNE) represents the most common bicycling-associated urogenital complaint. Numbness in the perineum, penis, scrotum or buttocks—'genital numbness'—is the most common and most recognized symptom of pudendal compression. Despite several studies demonstrating a link between elite cyclists and erectile dysfunction, for the average cyclist riding may actually have a protective effect on sexual function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Literature support that vitamin-D is important for different systems of the human body including, but not limited to endocrine and immune systems, vasculature and endothelial function of the body. Male erectile function depends on many factors and can be perceived as a health indicator of the body. Epidemiological data have shown that vitamin-D deficiency is also associated with erectile dysfunction. In this review, our aim is to interpret the mechanisms by which vitamin-D might regulate anatomy and physiology of penis. Evidence showed that vitamin-D is needed for an adequate erectile function. Briefly, vitamin-D is crucial for a better healthy body and sexual activity.

Abstract Background Actinobaculum suis is a bacterium known to cause infections of the urogenital tract of sows. Infection can occur through close contact to boars, who frequently carry the pathogen in their preputial diverticulum but do not become clinically diseased themselves. In the current case, Actinobaculum suis was isolated from pyogranuloma of inflamed epididymis in a boar with poor fertility. Case presentation Increased return to oestrus rate, which worsened after the purchase of a new boar, was reported in an organic farm in Switzerland. During herd examination, azoospermia of the boar was diagnosed, and slaughter, followed by examination of its urogenital tract, was carried out. Pathologically, pyogranuloma formation and epididymitis were diagnosed. Bacteriology of the pyogranulomas showed growth of Actinobaculum suis and mixed flora. After the boar was replaced, the return to oestrus rate improved tremendously. Conclusion A close relative of Actinobaculum suis, namely Actinotignum schaalii, has already been associated with epididymitis in humans. Considering the present case and the parallels in human medicine, Actinobaculum suis should be included in the list of differentials of boars with poor fertility.

Infertility is on a rise, and so is the availability of assisted reproductive technique (ART) centres. The sole aim of these centers is to help these unfortunate couples achieve pregnancy. Hence, the concentration of the treatment is on the female partner, while the male is relegated to just being a source for sperm. In the era of intracytoplasmic sperm injection, when pregnancy is possible even with a single mature sperm, evaluation and management of male factor infertility (MFI) is often neglected. MFI and poor semen parameters are markers of male health. He could be suffering from erectile or ejaculatory issues or with correctable obstructive azoospermia. A simple timely varicocele correction may help resolve the issue. It is important to understand that MFI is not a disease but may be a symptom of major underlying clinical condition like testicular or brain tumors. Infertility treatment could be the only occasion when a male seeks health-care evaluation. India has a large pool of qualified urologists trained in andrological care. In contrast, gynecologists may not be trained in the management of male patients, hence there is an important place for andrological services to be an integral part of ART centers. Andrologists would offer minimal andrological evaluation and condition-specific treatment. This could avoid or reduce the need for invasive and expensive ART. Andrologists could also choose the most appropriate mode of sperm retrieval. Undoubtedly, availability of andrological services would improve the overall quality of care, reduce the costs and complications, and would also be medicolegally safe.

Despite that the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has been controlled, it has affected a large proportion of the population, raising some concerns about potential sequelae in men at reproductive age. To contribute to the clarification of this issue, we performed a retrospective study comparing semen parameters values before and after confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection in a large cohort of infertile men, compared to a control group that did not undergo SARS-CoV-2 infection. Wilcoxon test on paired samples and general linear regression model showed that SARS-CoV-2 infection has a detrimental effect on semen volume values ( p  < 0.005). However, semen volume seems to be significantly lower only during the first spermatogenic cycle after SARS-COV-2 infection ( p  < 0.005) and mainly in unvaccinated patients ( p  < 0.05). In addition, we detected alterations in progressive motility in patients infected with the alpha SARS-COV-2 strain ( p  < 0.05). In conclusion, our results show that although SARS-CoV-2 has a small effect on semen volume and sperm motility in infertile men, depending on the infectious strain or vaccination status, pre-infection values of semen parameters appear to be restored over one spermatogenic cycle after infection.

Context: The use of buserelin, a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist, can improve semen quality. Nevertheless, the appropriate dosage, and frequency and time of application, remain to be established owing to the subsequent negative feedback on endogenous production of testosterone described so far. Aims: This study aimed to propose a new buserelin application protocol for sperm improvement in Santa Inês rams. Methods: Fifteen Santa Inês rams were divided into two experimental groups: the first group (n = 8) received 2.5 μg buserelin acetate; and the second group (n = 7) received saline solution. Treatments were applied for 21 days at intervals of 6 h, totalling four hormonal or saline applications per day. In all animals, macroscopic and microscopic seminal characteristics and freezability, plasma testosterone, pixels of testicular parenchyma, and biometric analysis of testicular and accessory sex glands by ultrasound were evaluated throughout the period of hormonal application and for a further 7 days. Key results: Rams receiving buserelin showed a peak of testosterone after the first week (Day 7) of application, with a drop in values at Day 14, followed by negative feedback at Day 21 and return to basal concentrations at Day 28. They also showed improvement of kinetics parameters such as straight line velocity (μm/s: +buserelin 51.5 ± 1.5 > control 46.6 ± 1.6) and linearity coefficient (%: +buserelin 53.5 ± 1.8 > control 47.5 ± 1.9). Ultrasound parameters, pixels of testicular parenchyma, and freezability were not affected by treatment. Conclusions: The administration of buserelin was able to improve some sperm kinetics parameters of Santa Inês rams. Implications: Low doses of this GnRH analogue can be used; however, further adjustments to the hormonal protocol are needed to obtain an effective improvement in sperm quality. The use of buserelin (GnRH agonist) can improve semen quality; nevertheless, the dosage, and frequency and time of application, are unresolved owing to the reported subsequent negative feedback on endogenous production of testosterone. In this study, the administration of buserelin improved some sperm kinetics parameters of Santa Inês rams. Therefore, low doses of buserelin can be used, although further adjustments to the hormonal protocol are needed to obtain an effective improvement in sperm quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hyaluronic acid is a glycosaminoglycan widely used in the fields of orthopedics, ophthalmology, and aesthetic medicine due to its significant ability to reduce the synthesis of pro‐inflammatory proteins and its activity against oxidative stress, a feature of many degenerative illnesses. Objectives: The objective of the present review is to provide a comprehensive narrative review of the most recent literature on the use of hyaluronic acid in andrology in order to facilitate the use of this therapeutic device in the common clinical practice of many physicians. Specific conditions covered in the review are Peyronie's disease, premature ejaculation, and penile enlargement. Materials and methods: A broad and comprehensive literature search included Medline, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Libraries, with no time restriction up to December 2020 and restricted to English language publications. Unpublished studies were not included. The study was registered as "The role of hyaluronic acid in andrology: A systematic review and meta‐analysis" in PROSPERO with the ID CRD42021223416. Discussion and conclusion: Hyaluronic acid is a valid choice for the treatment of Peyronie's disease in terms of the resolution of the acute phase of the disease and of contributing to stabilizing the disease as a bridge to potential surgery. Data, furthermore, suggest that hyaluronic acid is frequently associated with an overall clinical improvement, allowing the patient to resume normal sexual activity. With regard to premature ejaculation, data suggests hyaluronic acid‐based treatments were effective in prolonging intra‐vaginal ejaculation time. Furthermore, hyaluronic acid was found to be safe and well‐tolerated, with main adverse events limited to local discomfort, ecchymosis, papule formation, and glans numbness, all of which were reported to resolve spontaneously. Last, with regard to penile enlargement, the overall perception of experts is that hyaluronic acid may be an extremely well‐tolerated compound with potential for application in specific areas of male sexual health that are often neglected as compared to more common, and relatively simpler to treat, conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Male reproduction is a complex biological process, and male factor infertility is increasingly recognized as a biomarker for overall male health. Emerging data suggest associations between male reproduction and medical disease (genetic, infectious, chronic comorbid conditions), psychological disease, environmental exposures, dietary habits, medications and substances of abuse, and even socioeconomic factors. There is also evidence that a diagnosis of male fertility is associated with future disease risk including cancer, metabolic disease and mortality. As such, there is a growing view that the male fertility evaluation is an opportunity to improve a man's health beyond his immediate reproductive goals, and also highlights the necessity of a multidisciplinary approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: seminal fluid is the combination of fluid from the prostate and other sex glands that allows the transport of sperm during ejaculation. It contains sugar as the main source of energy. Its composition is relevant because it can give indications of health problems or infertility, so its study in the clinical or andrology laboratory must guarantee a reliable result through the use of standardized methods. Objective: to evaluate the quality of sperm concentration determination in the direct spermatobioscopy test in clinical laboratories according to the World Health Organization Manual for the analysis and processing of human semen. Methods: an observational, descriptive, longitudinal and prospective research was conducted in 23 clinical laboratories between September 2017 and May 2018 with minimal risk, level II and in accordance with the Regulations of the General Health Law on Health Research. Results: several conditions highlight the deficiency in sperm concentration analysis: lack of capacitation (65.2%), lack of instructions (60.9%), lack of procedures (69.6%), lack of calibration of measuring and support equipment, such as automatic pipettes (69.6%). Spearman (rs=0.753402; NC:95%; rs<0.05) and Kendal Tau (t=0.707696; NC:95%; t<0.05) tests were not significant for clinical laboratory operating time, and Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests showed significant differences (U: p=0.037887; NC=95%; p<0.05/KW: p=0.000000; NC=95%; p<0.05) with respect to sperm concentration readings. Conclusions: more than 60% of the laboratories lack an adequate process for seminal fluid analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To assess the correlation between semen parameters and sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) and to examine whether SDF can be recommended as a routine test along with semen analysis. Materials and methods: Retrospective analysis was conducted for 118 male infertile patients attending a fertility clinic obtained from the records between 2017 and 2019. Semen analysis and SDF were assessed according to World Health Organization - 2010 guidelines and sperm chromatin dispersion test, respectively. Patients were grouped based on their SDF scores as "low DNA fragmentation group (LDF)" if SDF ≤ 18% and as "high DNA fragmentation group (HDF)" if SDF > 18%. Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to find the difference in the mean of semen parameters between SDF groups. Statistical analysis was carried out using STATA Version-14. Results: The mean value of sperm concentration, motility, and normal morphology was higher in LDF compared to HDF. Correlation analysis showed patients' age to be positively associated with SDF (r=0.125; P=0.102). Sperm concentration, progressive motility, and normal morphology had a weak negative correlation with SDF. Around 63% and 69% of patients with normal morphology and normal motility respectively had high SDF. In the HDF category, nearly 42% had normal morphology, whereas a 66% demonstrated normal motility. The results of Kruskal-Wallis test for patients who had a treatment outcome (conception) showed that patients in LDF group had 1.5 times higher chance of "conception and live birth." Conclusion: Men with normal semen parameters can still have a high level of SDF. SDF along with semen analysis can help assess the reproductive potential of a male better. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background The potential of COVID-19 severe pandemic necessitates the development of an organized and well-reasoned plan for the management of embryology/andrology laboratories while safeguarding the wellbeing of patients and IVF staff. Main body A COVID-19 pandemic response plan was proposed for embryology and andrology laboratories for pre-pandemic preparedness and pandemic management in anticipation of a possible second coronavirus wave. Preparation involves many plans and logistics before a pandemic risk rises. Many operational changes can be considered during the pandemic. This plan includes logistical arrangements, reducing labor needs, conserving supplies, and protective measures for embryologists and gametes/embryos. Conclusion The unpredictable emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic dictates the need for a preparedness plan for embryology/andrology laboratories, which includes an action-oriented plan to secure the safety of all stakeholders.

Objective: To evaluate the impact of paternal age on embryology and pregnancy outcomes in the setting of a euploid single-embryo transfer. Design: Retrospective cohort study. Setting: Not applicable. Patient(s): Couples undergoing a first in vitro fertilization cycle with fresh ejaculated sperm who used intracytoplasmic sperm injection for fertilization followed by preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy and single-embryo transfer of a euploid embryo between January 2012 and December 2018. Intervention(s): Not applicable. Main Outcome Measure(s): Embryology outcomes assessed were fertilization rate, blastulation rate, and euploid rate. Pregnancy outcomes assessed included positive human chorionic gonadotropin rate, delivery rate, biochemical loss rate, and clinical loss rate. Results: A total of 4,058 patients were assessed. After adjusting for female age, increased paternal age in the setting of fresh ejaculated sperm use was associated with decreased blastulation and decreased euploid rate using 40 years as an age cutoff. Conclusion(s): In this study, advancing paternal age appears to have a detrimental impact on rates of blastocyst formation and euploid status. However, if a euploid embryo is achieved, older paternal age does not appear to affect negatively pregnancy outcomes.

The practice of male infertility has dramatically evolved over the past few decades. This has been achieved after the realization of the important contribution the male counterpart holds in the couple’s infertility. It is also supported by a number of breakthroughs in the diagnosis and treatment of this medical condition. Several tests to investigate sperm quality and function were introduced along with refinements and/or institution of novel surgical techniques that can correct several causes of infertility. This manuscript is aimed at highlighting the current state of male infertility practice in a robust, schematic method addressing a broader audience involved in the treatment of male infertility.

Male infertility is one of the complications associated with diabetes mellitus. This study reported the effect of managing experimentally-induced diabetes in male Wistar rats with Cleome rutidosperma leaf extract at doses of 100 mg.kg−1, 200 mg.kg−1 or 400 mg.kg−1 for 14 days. Further deterioration or amelioration of reproductive derangement was assessed by changes in sperm morphology, sperm characteristics, and testicular histo-pathology. Andrology profile of diabetic untreated rats showed significant (P < 0.05) derangements compared to normoglycaemic rats. The profile of diabetic rats treated with the extract of C. rutidosperma, especially at the 200 mg.kg−1 dose showed a significant decrease in abnormal sperm cells, increases in sperm motility, live/ dead ratio and count compared to the untreated diabetic rats. Histopathology showed spermatogenic arrest and degeneration of Sertoli cells in the diabetic untreated rats, but was restored in the C. rutidosperma treated rats. This study showed evidence of infertility associated with diabetes and the ameliorative ability of C. rutidosperma on infertility demonstrated by improved andrological parameters. Traditional management of diabetes with C. rutidosperma leaves should therefore be encouraged in both humans and other animals, especially males with reproductive intentions.

Abstract Background The testis is specific in that it produces haploid germ cells of which autoantigens newly appear long after the neonatal immune tolerance. Under normal condition, these autoantigens are protected by the blood‐testis barrier formed by Sertoli cells. Thus, the testis is an immunologically privileged site where haploid cells are protected from autoimmune attack. Methods The immunological microenvironment in the testis was experimentally investigated using mice and rats. Main findings Not only the blood‐testis barrier but also various immuno‐suppressive factors are involved in the immune‐privileged testis. Indeed, germ cells transplanted into the xenogeneic seminiferous tubules could proliferate and differentiate with no aid of artificial immunosuppression. On the other hand, autoimmune orchitis could be experimentally produced by various methods of immunization with syngeneic or xenogeneic germ cell antigens. Conclusion Our results indicate that the testis is immunologically privileged but also immunologically fragile organ. Therefore, the dual nature is critical for immunoregulation of testicular function.

Within modern biotechnology, different tools and methodologies have been developed to maximize canine semen conservation protocol to optimize reproductive results. In the last decades, the survival of chilled semen has been prolonged from 2 to 3 days with the first basic diluents, to 10–14 days with the modern extenders. However, their main limitation is that sperm quality decreases during cold storage. Sperm activators (SA) have been produced to provide the molecules necessary to maximize the sperm survival and quality with the aim to enhance fertility and prolificacy. In this study, the effect of commercial extender SA (Theriosolution® Canine AI extender -Chile-) was recorded by daily evaluation of chilled semen for 14 days. In this experiment, sperm-rich ejaculate fraction was collected from six adult healthy Neapolitan Mastiff dogs. The semen evaluation started immediately after collection (d0), and after that a next generation extender was added (d0) for every 24 h from d1 (with and without SA) to d14, to determine spermatozoa progressive motility, velocity of forward progression (VFP), morphology, and integrity of the spermatic membrane. The initial sperm concentration of extended semen was 417.3 ± 170.4 x 106/mL (mean ± SEM) with 85.89 ± 4.76% of MNS (morphologically normal sperm), 84.47 ± 5.22 % live sperm, and pH of 6.2 ± 2.8. The initial VFP was 3.83 ± 0.48, but after 1 min with SA, it rises to 4.45 ± 0.45 (P < 0.001). The sperm progressive motility parameter increases significantly (P < 0.05) in experimental trial, respect to control, starting to d2 at finish (except for d7). The VFP analysis significantly increases in experimental trial (P < 0.05) during most days of the study with the exclusion of d3 and d14. To evaluate the seminal characteristics over time, the experiment was divided into T1 (d0–d5), T2 (d6–d10), and T3 (d11–d14) (P < 0.001) in evaluation of morphology and membrane functionality. The MNS reached 70% at d10 and finally 65% at d14, being considered normal and possibly fertile. With Host-s, 65% of MNS were also achieved at d14. The presence of glucose and fructose in the diluents used for refrigeration can exert very important effects given the fact that metabolic routes have been found in both sugars, providing both different and complementing effects. It can be concluded that the use of SA prior to artificial insemination improves the quality of chilled semen significantly, although it does not reverse the effects of deterioration due to cellular metabolism over time.

Infertility is diagnosed clinically in heterosexual couples who cannot achieve pregnancy after a year of having intercourse without using birth control. Statistically, every sixth couple in Croatia is infertile and 50% of infertility cases are male-originated.

Peyronie's disease (PD) is a common benign condition characterized by superficial fibrosis and scar formation at the tunica albuginea of the penis, eventually leading to penile curvature. It is believed that penile micro-traumas during intercourse and subsequent activation of inflammatory processes constitute the pathogenetic basis of the disease. Routinely, PD is divided into acute and chronic phases, with pain during erection or flaccid state being the hallmark of the former. Surgical intervention should be avoided during the acute phase, as the risk of recurrence or progression of penile deformity during this stage might affect the optimal outcomes of the procedure. During this stage, many conservative treatment options have been suggested, including oral, topical, and intralesional therapies, extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), and penile traction therapy (PTT). Currently, the optimal treatment consists of a combined treatment strategy with phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5Is), ESWT for pain management, PTT, and intralesional therapies. Large, well-designed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are necessary to further elucidate the most efficient treatment option for acute phase PD., Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work., (Copyright © 2024, Douroumis et al.)

Importance: Findings from several high profile meta-analyses have raised concerns about an ongoing global decline in sperm concentration and male fertility. However, these studies exhibit considerable heterogeneity in key variables including study population, methodology, fertility status, and geographic region., Objective: To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis exploring temporal trends in sperm concentration among fertile men and men unselected for fertility status in the United States., Data Sources: A literature search performed in Scopus and PubMed databases for studies published between 1970 and 2023. Additional studies were included from citations of prior global meta-analyses and reviews evaluating temporal trends in sperm count., Study Selection and Synthesis: Studies were included if they presented original data on sperm concentration in US men without known infertility from 1970 to 2023. Aggregate data were assessed across all study populations, with additional subgroup analyses stratified by fertility status and US region., Main Outcomes: Weighted generalized linear models were generated to evaluate the association between mean sperm concentration and sample collection year., Results: A total of 874 articles were screened, with 58 meeting the inclusion criteria. These represented 75 unique study populations totaling 11,787 men in the United States. Across all study populations, no change in sperm concentration was observed between 1970 and 2018 in unadjusted models (β = 0.14 million/mL per year). When adjusting for US region, no statistically significant decline in sperm concentration was seen. When adjusting for both region and fertility status, a modest annual decline was observed to meet statistical significance (β = -0.35 million/mL per year). Of the 49 study populations reporting adequate data to determine mean total sperm count, there was a significant increase in total sperm count of 2.9 million per year between 1970 and 2018. Subgroup analysis found no statistically significant change in mean sperm concentration among any US census region or fertility status cohort., Conclusion and Relevance: In contrast to prior global studies, this analysis suggests no clinically significant decline in sperm concentration among confirmed fertile men and the general male US population without known infertility. Although these findings provide some reassurance against a widespread rapid decline, further studies are necessary to better understand this important topic., Competing Interests: Declaration of Interests K.L. has nothing to disclose. R.C. has nothing to disclose. F.L. has nothing to disclose. B.R. has nothing to disclose. L.B. has nothing to disclose. J.M. has nothing to disclose. S. Kuribayashi has nothing to disclose. S. Kuroda has nothing to disclose. D.A.P. has nothing to disclose. S.C.V. has nothing to disclose. J.C. has nothing to disclose. S.D.L. has nothing to disclose., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Azoospermia, the absence of sperm cells in semen, affects around 15% of infertile males. Sertoli cell-only syndrome (SCOS) is the most common pathological lesion in the background of non-obstructive azoospermia and is characterised by the complete absence of germinal epithelium, with Sertoli cells exclusively present in the seminiferous tubules. Studies have shown a correlation between successful spermatogenesis and male fertility with lipid composition of spermatozoa, semen, seminal plasma or testis. The aim of this research was to discover the correlation between the Johnsen scoring system and phospholipid expressions in testicular cryosections of SCOS patients. MALDI imaging mass spectrometry is used to determine spatial distributions of molecular species, such as phospholipids. Phosphatidylcholines (PCs), phosphatidylethanolamines (PEs) and sphingomyelins (SMs) are the most abundant phospholipids in mammalian cells and testis. SMs, the structural components of plasma membranes, are crucial for spermatogenesis and sperm function. Plasmalogens, are unique PCs in testis with strong antioxidative properties. This study, using imaging mass spectrometry, demonstrates the local distribution of phospholipids, particularly SMs, PCs, plasmalogens and PEs in human testicular samples with SCOS for the first time. This study found a strong relationship between the Johnsen scoring system and phospholipid expression levels in human testicular tissues. Future findings could enable routine diagnostic techniques during microTESE procedures for successful sperm extraction.

These guidelines update and clarify items relating to diagnostic andrology in the 2012 Association of Biomedical Andrologists Laboratory Andrology Guidelines for Good Practice Version 3. The main change separates diagnostic and therapeutic andrology into individual documents; post-vasectomy semen analysis still references the 2016 guideline. These guidelines seek to incorporate and clarify internationally agreed methodology following the World Health Organization Laboratory Manual for the Examination and Processing of Human Semen 6th edition and publication of ISO 23162:2021. Significant updates include: requiring four-category grading for motility (A, rapidly progressive; B, slowly progressive; C, non-progressive; D, immotile); a four-part morphology assessment (head, midpiece, tail, cytoplasmic droplets) as essential for quality assurance (even if only the percentage of 'normal' is reported); and specifying sperm toxicity testing procedures for diagnostic andrology. These guidelines include a section on haematospermia, an observation requiring rapid onward referral. An Association of Reproductive and Clinical Scientists (ARCS) working group wrote these guidelines, with review by ARCS members. The aim is to guide good practice in laboratories but they are not intended as a tool to judge the practice of centres within the UK or beyond., (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends reporting sperm morphology in a standard semen analysis. However, the clinical utility and prognostic value of morphology is often debated., Methods: We reviewed and summarized studies that assessed both the benefits and limitations of sperm morphology in the context of natural fertility, assisted reproductive technologies, and recurrent pregnancy loss. We additionally describe possible environmental and anatomical etiologies of teratozoospermia., Results: Sperm morphology evaluation has continuously evolved since the release of the first WHO manual in 1980. Initially, several large studies reported significant inverse associations between fertility outcomes and teratozoospermia. Most recent studies, however, fail to show an association between sperm morphology and natural or assisted fertility outcomes., Conclusion: Sperm morphology analysis may have limited diagnostic and prognostic value. Providers should be aware of these limitations when counseling or managing infertile patients., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (© 2024 The Author(s). Reproductive Medicine and Biology published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Japan Society for Reproductive Medicine.)

We aimed to assess the reliability of Chat Generative Pre-training Transformer (ChatGPT)'s andrology information and its suitability for informing patients and medical students accurately about andrology topics. We presented a series of systematically organized frequently asked questions on andrology topics and sentences containing strong recommendations from the European Association of Urology (EAU) Guideline to ChatGPT-3.5 and 4.0 as questions. These questions encompassed Male Hypogonadism, Erectile Dysfunction and Sexual Desire Disorder, Disorders of Ejaculation, Penile Curvature and Penile Size Abnormalities, Priapism, and Male Infertility. Two expert urologists independently evaluated and assigned scores ranging from 1 to 4 to each response based on its accuracy, with the following ratings: (1) Completely true, (2) Accurate but insufficient, (3) A mixture of accurate and misleading information, and (4) Completely false. A total of 120 questions were included in the study. Among these questions, 50.0% received a grade of 1 (completely correct) (55.4% for 4.0 version). The combined rate of correct answers (grades 1 and 2) was 85.2% for frequently asked questions (88.8% for 4.0 version) and 81.5% for questions obtained from the guideline. The rate of completely incorrect answers (grade 4) was 1.8% for frequently asked questions (0% for 4.0 version) and 5.2% for questions based on strong recommendations. The response rate of version 4.0 to questions created from sentences containing strong recommendations from the EAU guideline was the same as version 3.5. ChatGPT provided satisfactory answers to the questions asked, although some responses lacked completeness. It may be beneficial to utilize ChatGPT under the guidance of a urologist to enhance patients' comprehension of their andrology issues., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (©2024 The Author(s). Published by MRE Press.)

Objective: AI-derived language models are booming, and their place in medicine is undefined. The aim of our study is to compare responses to andrology clinical cases, between chatbots and andrologists, to assess the reliability of these technologies., Material and Method: We analyzed the responses of 32 experts, 18 residents and three chatbots (ChatGPT v3.5, v4 and Bard) to 25 andrology clinical cases. Responses were assessed on a Likert scale ranging from 0 to 2 for each question (0-false response or no response; 1-partially correct response, 2- correct response), on the basis of the latest national or, in the absence of such, international recommendations. We compared the averages obtained for all cases by the different groups., Results: Experts obtained a higher mean score (m=11/12.4 σ=1.4) than ChatGPT v4 (m=10.7/12.4 σ=2.2, p=0.6475), ChatGPT v3.5 (m=9.5/12.4 σ=2.1, p=0.0062) and Bard (m=7.2/12.4 σ=3.3, p<0.0001). Residents obtained a mean score (m=9.4/12.4 σ=1.7) higher than Bard (m=7.2/12.4 σ=3.3, p=0.0053) but lower than ChatGPT v3.5 (m=9.5/12.4 σ=2.1, p=0.8393) and v4 (m=10.7/12.4 σ=2.2, p=0.0183) and experts (m=11.0/12.4 σ=1.4,p=0.0009). ChatGPT v4 performance (m=10.7 σ=2.2) was better than ChatGPT v3.5 (m=9.5, σ=2.1, p=0.0476) and Bard performance (m=7.2 σ=3.3, p<0.0001)., Conclusion: The use of chatbots in medicine could be relevant. More studies are needed to integrate them into clinical practice., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Dr. Ryuzo Yanagimachi, a renowned figure in reproductive science, passed away in September 2023 at the age of 95. The author of the article shares their personal encounters with Dr. Yanagimachi, including collaborations and mentorship. Dr. Yanagimachi's contributions to the field include breakthrough findings and technologies related to sperm capacitation, intracytoplasmic sperm injection, and mouse cloning. His enduring curiosity in fish fertilization and commitment to collaborative projects and advisory roles made a lasting impact on the author and many others in the field. Dr. Yanagimachi's legacy will continue to inspire future reproductive biologists. [Extracted from the article]

The article announces the bi-annual rotation of the editorial team for the journal Andrology. Professor Marie-Claude Hofmann, who served as Deputy Editor and Editor-in-Chief, will step down after four years. During her tenure, the journal's Impact Factor increased, the number of submissions and published articles rose, and she provided excellent leadership and mentorship. Professor Wei Yan will replace her as the new Editor-in-Chief. Yan is an experienced scientist and journal editor with a focus on male reproductive health. He has outlined his expectations and ideas for the future development of Andrology, including prioritizing innovative research, rewarding authors and reviewers, and utilizing social media. The article also mentions changes in the Wiley organization and expresses gratitude to the Associate Editors and Reviewers for their contributions. [Extracted from the article]

Copyright of Revista Brasileira de Reprodução Animal is the property of Revista Brasileira de Reproducao Animal and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista Brasileira de Reprodução Animal is the property of Revista Brasileira de Reproducao Animal and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The other important objective of ANDRONET is to improve professional education in clinical andrology, which is currently fragmented among several medical branches, and to contribute to the recognition of andrology as a medical subspecialty at the European level. Andrology, a multidisciplinary field of biomedicine devoted to male health, has long been fragmented and not well supported by research grant institutions and a poorly informed public. [Extracted from the article]

Knowledge dissemination and communication is one of the missions of the European Academy of Andrology (EAA). All EAA clinical guidelines published so far, starting from the first genetic analysis protocols, are listed below: Simoni M, Bakker E, Krausz C. EAA/EMQN best practice guidelines for molecular diagnosis of Y-chromosomal microdeletions. This programme was initiated by EAA President Csilla Krausz, who noticed a great impact of the EAA/EMQN guidelines advising andrology labs how to perform genetic screening for the Y chromosome microdeletions. [Extracted from the article]

Outside of Europe, Egypt has a longstanding tradition to train doctors in clinical andrology directly after the medical school; hence, andrology is considered as an independent specialization. Keywords: EAA; clinical andrologist; clinical andrology examination; education; andrology schools; ultrasound; genetics; testis; reproduction; sexual medicine; sexology EN EAA clinical andrologist clinical andrology examination education andrology schools ultrasound genetics testis reproduction sexual medicine sexology 97 99 3 11/29/22 20221003 NES 221003 Andrology is a relatively new field encompassing several scientific and clinical backgrounds dealing with male and couple's sexual and reproductive health. The establishment of clinical training programs for physicians who wish to become (sub)specialists in Andrology obtaining the certificate of Clinical Andrologist as a mark of excellence represents one of the principal missions of the EAA. [Extracted from the article]

Does intracytoplasmic sperm injection improve live birth rate when compared with conventional in vitro fertilization in non-male factor infertility? Novel use of COMET parameters of sperm DNA damage may increase its utility to diagnose male infertility and predict live births following both IVF and ICSI. Keywords: andrology; diagnosis; male infertility; non-male factor; opinion; semen analysis EN andrology diagnosis male infertility non-male factor opinion semen analysis 1237 1239 3 09/19/22 20221001 NES 221001 A series of studies published over the past two decades evaluating the efficacy of conventional in vitro fertilization (IVF) versus intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) have reinforced the notion that routine semen analysis alone is enough to deem a patient as having non-male factor infertility.1-4 Accordingly, the evidence indicates that ICSI is no better than IVF for couples whose male partners have the so-called "non-male factor infertility". ICSI does not offer any benefit over conventional IVF across different ovarian response categories in non-male factor infertility: a European multicenter analysis. [Extracted from the article]

Objective: To demonstrate the distribution and impact of fellowship-trained andrology and/or sexual medicine urological specialists (FTAUS) on resident in-service examination (ISE) performance.Methods: Residency program websites were accessed to create a database of FTAUS in the United States between 2007 and 2017. This database was reviewed by three separate FTAUS and cross referenced with membership lists to the Sexual Medicine of North America Society and the Society for the Study of Male Reproduction. De-identified ISE scores were obtained from the American Urological Association from 2007-2017 and scores from trainees at programs with a FTAUS were identified for comparison. Resident performance was analyzed using a linear model of the effect of a resident being at a program with an FTAUS, adjusting for post-graduate year.Results: ISE data from 13,757 residents were obtained for the years 2007-2017. The number of FTAUS in the United States increased from 40-102 during this study period. Mean raw scores on the "Sexual Dysfunction, Endocrinopathy, Fertility Problems" (SDEFP) section of the ISE ranged from 52.1% ± 17.7% to 65.7% ± 16% (mean ± SD). Throughout the study period, there was no difference in performance within the SDEFP section (P < .01). Residents at a program with a FTAUS answered 0.95% more questions correctly in the SDEFP than those without a FTAUS (P < .001). For these residents, there was an improvement of approximately 0.66% on the percentage of questions answered correctly on the ISE overall (P < .001). Performance improved significantly as residents progressed from PGY-2-PGY-5.Conclusion: There is a small but statistically significant improvement in overall ISE and SDEFP sub-section performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]