To determine the fracture characteristics of asphalt mixture a novel fracture test with modified loading modes loading fixtures and the control system of the conventional overlay tester is implemented by the asphalt m...To determine the fracture characteristics of asphalt mixture a novel fracture test with modified loading modes loading fixtures and the control system of the conventional overlay tester is implemented by the asphalt material performance tester AMPT .In order to evaluate the validity of the proposed fracture test four different loading rates including 1 2 3 and 4 mm/min are examined in the AMPT. The results indicate that the fracture behavior is similar to creep at a low loading rate and does not show significant marginal tail extension at a high loading rate.It clearly shows the phase of crack initiation crack propagation and fracture at a loading rate of 3 mm/min. Besides eight fracture parameters such as fracture energy tensile strength and tensile modulus are applied to evaluate the fracture characteristics of asphalt mixture.Development of the overlay tester for the fracture test of asphalt mixture can be considered as a new fracture test of asphalt mixture.展开更多
AIM:To measure the optimal anterior chamber pressure(ACP)for safe phacoemulsification using a new tube chamber system with internal pressure measurement function in the porcine eye.METHODS:The 20-gauge and 21-gauge st...AIM:To measure the optimal anterior chamber pressure(ACP)for safe phacoemulsification using a new tube chamber system with internal pressure measurement function in the porcine eye.METHODS:The 20-gauge and 21-gauge straight tips with yellow and orange sleeves,respectively,were covered by a test chamber combined with a pressure sensor for measuring ACP.This was measured for 20s from 10s after starting aspiration in the linear mode using vacuum levels of 200 and 150 mm Hg with a 20-gauge tip,and 300 and 250 mm Hg with a 21-gauge tip.Using a porcine eye,a pressure sensor fixed with a 0.9 mm corneal incision measured ACP.For the posterior capsule contact assay,porcine eyes were treated as described above,and the ultrasonic needle tip was held at the height of the iris and aspirated for 30s in linear mode at a vacuum of 200 and 150 mm Hg for the 20-gauge tip,and 300 and 250 mm Hg for the 21-gauge tip.The bottle height at which the posterior capsule accidentally contacted the ultrasonic tip was recorded,and the estimated ACP was calculated.RESULTS:The internal pressure of the new tube chamber system and ACP from the porcine eye closely matched proportional changes at vacuum levels of 200 and 150 mm Hg with 20-gauge tips.Similarly,proportional changes at vacuum levels of 300 and 250 mm Hg with the 21-gauge tip were nearly equal.The bottle height at which the posterior capsule contacted with the tip and estimated ACP were 57.5±12.6 cm(20.2±7.9 mm Hg)at 200 mm Hg with a 20-gauge tip,35.0±10.0 cm(16.6±6.3 mm Hg)at 150 mm Hg with a 20-gauge tip,47.5±12.6 cm(18.7±8.7 mm Hg)at 300 mm Hg with a 21-gauge tip,and 32.5±5.0 cm(15.7±3.5 mm Hg)at 250 mm Hg with a 21-gauge tip.CONCLUSION:A comprehensive understanding of this chamber system’s characteristics and usage can resolve anterior chamber instability caused by changing preoperative settings on the phaco machine.展开更多
Objective:To evaluate the alleviating effects of melatonin on oxidative changes in the testes and pituitary gland induced by subacute chlopyrifos（CPF） exposure in rats.Methods:Forty adult male Wistar rats divided in...Objective:To evaluate the alleviating effects of melatonin on oxidative changes in the testes and pituitary gland induced by subacute chlopyrifos（CPF） exposure in rats.Methods:Forty adult male Wistar rats divided into 4 groups of 10 animals were used for the study.Croup I received soya oil（2 mL/kg） while group II was administered with melatonin（0.5 mg/kg）.Group III was administered CPF only(8.5 mg/kg <sup> </sup>l/10th of the LD<sub>50</sub>) while group Ⅳ was pretreated with melatonin（0.5 mg/kg） and then exposed to CPF（8.5 mg/kg）,10 min later.The regimens were administered by gavage once daily for a period of 28 d.At the end of the exposure period, the rats were sacrificed and the testicular tissues and pituitary glands were evaluated for the malonaldehyde（MDA） concentration and activities of superoxide dismutase（SOD） and catalase（CAT）.Results:CPF increased MDA concentrations and reduced the activities of SOD and CAT in the testes and pituitary gland.Melatonin pretreatment reduced the testicular and pituitary MDA concentrations and improves the SOD and CAT activities.Conclusions:the study showed that subacute CPF-induced oxidative stress in the testes and pituitary glands were alleviated by melatonin due to its antioxidant property.展开更多
Aim： To investigate wether the corresponding protein of mono-ADP-ribosyltransferase 3 （ART3） mRNA is expressed in human testes and, if so, whether the expression is cell type-specific. Methods： ART3 mRNA was deter...Aim： To investigate wether the corresponding protein of mono-ADP-ribosyltransferase 3 （ART3） mRNA is expressed in human testes and, if so, whether the expression is cell type-specific. Methods： ART3 mRNA was determined in human testes and sperm by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR）. The glycosylphosphatidylinositol linkage of ART3 was shown by treating ART3-transfected HEK-293-T cells with phospholipase C. Fluorescent activated cell sorter （FACS）-analyses were used to detect ART3 on mature spermatozoa and immunohistological studies to detect the protein in testes. Results： ART3 protein was shown to be present in testes. It was found on spermatocytes only. It was absent from spermatogonia, spermatids and spermatozoa. The absence of ART3 from spermatozoa was confirmed by FACS-analysis. ART3 protein was detected neither within a seminoma nor on Leydig cells. Conclusion： Here we show for the first time that ART3 protein is expressed in testes in particular on spermatocytes, indicating that ART3 exerts a specific function only required at a particular stage of spermatogenesis.展开更多
Testes size in most animals commonly shows directional asymmetry. In birds, the left testis mass is usually larger than the right one, but the reports on the testes asymmetry in anurans are very few. Moller （1994） h...Testes size in most animals commonly shows directional asymmetry. In birds, the left testis mass is usually larger than the right one, but the reports on the testes asymmetry in anurans are very few. Moller （1994） hypothesized that the right testis serves a compensatory role and increases in size when the left one is defective, and further suggested that testes asymmetry may be a reliable indicator of individual body condition. In this paper, we tested the compensation hypothesis in the Guenther＇s frog, Hylarana guentheri. From 60 sampled males, we found that there was a significant directional asymmetry in testes mass, with the left testis size being significantly correlated with relative testes asymmetry, providing evidence that the right testis had a compensatory function. However, testes mass and asymmetry were not correlated with body condition. Hence, we found no evidence that testes asymmetry in the Guenther＇s frog reflected male condition, and male age was also not related to testes mass or asymmetry.展开更多
The mechanical properties of colluvium strongly govern the stability of colluvial slopes, and they arc essential for the related analysis and design. Nevertheless, their measurement is not easy on account of heterogen...The mechanical properties of colluvium strongly govern the stability of colluvial slopes, and they arc essential for the related analysis and design. Nevertheless, their measurement is not easy on account of heterogeneity in property and difficulty of sampling. This study attempted to evaluate the shear strength of remolded colluvium by means of a simple direct shear test in the field. A portable direct shear tester was designed to overcome the inconvenience and expensiveness of the conventional large-scale in-situ direct shear test. It can be easily assembled and applied for the silnplc field direct shear test. For calibration, the results of the portable direct shear tester were compared with the results of the laboratory direct shear tester for four different types of soil samples, i.e. standard sand, slate debris, arenaceous shale debris and mixture of gravel and sand. Correlation formulas were established based on the calibration, enabling the portable direct shear tester to measure and estimate the shear strength of remoldcd colluvium in field. This study primarily focuses on the colluvium in Central Taiwan, including the lateritic Dadu Terrace and the arcnaceous shale of Taiping-Wufcng mounts. The portable direct shear tester was applied to sites selected in these areas, and the results were furthcr analyzed and discussed.展开更多
Oxidative stress has been identified as one of the factors that affects fertility status. Therefore, this study sought to investigate the inhibitory effect of aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera and Newbuoldia laevis ...Oxidative stress has been identified as one of the factors that affects fertility status. Therefore, this study sought to investigate the inhibitory effect of aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera and Newbuoldia laevis leaves on FeSO4 and Sodium Nitroprusside (SNP) induced lipid peroxidation in rat testes in vitro. Incubation of the testes tissue homogenate in the presence of FeSO4 and SNP caused a significant increase in the malondialdehyde (MDA) contents of the testes. The aqueous extract from both Moringa oleifera and Newbuoldia laevis leaves caused a significant decrease in the MDA contents of the testes in a dose-dependent manner. However, aqueous extract from Moringa oleifera leaf (EC50 = 0.29 mg/ml) had a significant (P2+ induced lipid peroxidation in the rat testes homogenate than that of Newbuoldia laevis leaf extract (EC50 = 0.58 mg/ml);while there was no significant (P2+ chelating and reducing power. Therefore, these plants have potential to prevent oxidative stress in testes and improve fertility outcomes.展开更多
The toxicity of melamine has attracted much attention since the recent outbreaks of renal injury in pets and infants. Previous studies indicated that melamine by itself had low toxicity, whereas a mixture of melamine ...The toxicity of melamine has attracted much attention since the recent outbreaks of renal injury in pets and infants. Previous studies indicated that melamine by itself had low toxicity, whereas a mixture of melamine and cyanuric acid （M＋CA） could cause serious renal damage. At present, most researches on the toxicity of M＋CA are focused on the kidney. However, little is known about the adverse effects of this mixture on the reproductive system. In the present study, the toxicity of M＋CA to testes was investigated. Immature male mice were orally dosed with 0, 0.6, 3, and 15 mg kg-1 d-1 of a 1：1 M＋CA for 28 d. Pathological changes occurred in germ cells, such as loose arrangement, reduced numbers and karyopyknosis, indicating that this mixture was toxic to spermatogenesis. Compared with the control group, the TUNEL- positive germ cells increased significantly and the ratio of Bcl-2 to Bax, total antioxidant capacity and superoxide dismutase activity decreased significantly in the 3 and 15 mg kg-1 d- M＋CA treated group, while the activities of caspase-3, caspase- 8 and caspase-9 remained unchanged. The results suggest that M＋CA can induce apoptosis in the mice testes. The downregulation of Bcl-2/Bax and oxidative stress may play a pivotal role in the induction of apoptosis by M＋CA in mice testes.展开更多
Objective To investigate the contraceptive mechanism of combination regimen of low- dose gossypol acetic acid （GA） with steroid hormones [desogestre/ethinylestradiol/ testosterone undeeanote（DSG/EE/TU）]. Methods A...Objective To investigate the contraceptive mechanism of combination regimen of low- dose gossypol acetic acid （GA） with steroid hormones [desogestre/ethinylestradiol/ testosterone undeeanote（DSG/EE/TU）]. Methods Adult male rats were randomly divided into four groups. Group GH： rats were fed orally with gossypol acetic acid （GA, 12.5 mg/kg） and desogestrel （DSG, 0.125 mg/kg）/ ethinylestradiol （EE, 0.025 mg/kg）/testosterone undecanoate （TU, 100 mg/kg per day, qd X4 weeks or 10 weeks）; group G： a single dose of GA （12.5 mg/kg per day, qd X 4 weeks or I0 weeks）; group H： the same dosage of DSG/EE/TUas in group GH; group C： rats were treated with vehicle （1% methyl cellulose） as the control. Expression of protein kinase C alpha （PKC-a） and cyclin D1 in rat testes were tested mainly by immunohistochemistry （IHC） and Western blotting. Results IHC results showed that protein PKC- a was expressed mainly in interstitial tissue of testis among seminiferous tubule. The expression of PKC-oc in groups H and GH at week 10 was decreased greatly compared with that in group C. The protein cyclin D1 was expressed mainly in residual body of seminiferous tubule eavosurface and interstitial tissue among seminiferous tubule of testis. Western blotting results showed that the expression of PKC-a in groups H and GH at week 10 was decreased significantly compared with that in group C （P〈0.05）. The expression of cyclin D1 in groups G, H or GH at week 10 rose significantly compared with that in group C （P 〈0.05）.Conclusion The administration of low-dose gossypol acetic acid with steroid hormones for 10 weeks can decrease the expression of PKC-a greatly.展开更多
Impact testing is a primary method to evaluate the impact property of resistance spot welding,which is an important quality index in automotive industry.For testing impact properties of spot welds,many customized test...Impact testing is a primary method to evaluate the impact property of resistance spot welding,which is an important quality index in automotive industry.For testing impact properties of spot welds,many customized testers have been developed.This paper summarized some of the impact testers reported in open literatures and the emphasis was placed on the equipment structures,functions,technical parameters,advantages and disadvantage,etc.Some key issues about the development of the testers such as kinematic energy input mode,fixture design,combined load testing,sensor and data acquisition were discussed.Finally,the problems and prospects in the research and development of impact testers for spot welds were pointed out.展开更多
Synchrotron radiation(SR) X-ray has significant potential for medical applications. However, the mechanisms underlying the effects of SR X-ray on biological tissues remain unclear. Because increasing evidence has indi...Synchrotron radiation(SR) X-ray has significant potential for medical applications. However, the mechanisms underlying the effects of SR X-ray on biological tissues remain unclear. Because increasing evidence has indicated critical roles of cluster of differentiation 38(CD38) in various cellular functions and cell survival, in this study we used rodent testes as a model to determine the effects of SR X-ray irradiation on the CD38 level of the testes. We found that SR X-ray irradiation led to a significant increase in the CD38 level of rodent testes one day after the irradiation. In contrast, the SR X-ray irradiation did not produce a significant increase in the CD38 level of the testes from the rats that were administered with the antioxidant N-acetyl cysteine, thus suggesting that oxidative stress plays a significant role in the SR X-ray irradiation-induced increase in the CD38 levels. Our study has also provided evidence suggesting that poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase(PARP) activity is not involved in the SR X-ray irradiation-produced effect on the CD38 levels. Collectively, this study has provided first in vivo evidence indicating that CD38 levels can be increased by ionizing radiation, in which oxidative stress plays an important role. Because oxidative stress occurs in ionizing radiation as well as such diseases as cerebral ischemia and Parkinson's disease, oxidative stress may produce pathological effects by inducing increased CD38 levels.展开更多
Testicular tissue was studied in domesticated yak and in wild yak × domesticated yak(F1 and F2)bulls at 6,12,18 and 24 months of age by stereology for quautitative histology and by comparative studies on the lact...Testicular tissue was studied in domesticated yak and in wild yak × domesticated yak(F1 and F2)bulls at 6,12,18 and 24 months of age by stereology for quautitative histology and by comparative studies on the lactate dehydrogenase(LDH)isoenzyme spectrum, LDH activity and the percentage content of LDH isoenzymes in testes. The results indicated that all three types of yak were similar in both the characteristics of ultrastructure of testicular tissue and the degree of germ cell development. The process of spermatogenesis was initiated and sperm were produced for the first time at the age of 12months in all three yak types. All yak types exhibited similar age-related, increases in weight of testes,volume density of both the seminiferous tubules and seminiferous epithelium and height of seminiferous epithelium but all these indexes were slightly affected by season. The number of LDH isoenzyme bands after electrophoresis varied with age as follows: four bands were present at 6 months of age, five bands at 12 and 18 months and six bands at 24 months of age. The sixth band was LDH -x ,which appeared between the LDH4 and LDH5 band. These results indicated that yak bulls reach sexual maturity at 24months of age and that puberty is not affected by infusion of wild strains.展开更多
Forty testicles were used to carry out histomorphometry study on the testes, epididymides and spermatozoa of four indigenous breeds of bull found in Ibadan (Red Bororo (RB), Sokoto Gudali (SG), White Fulani (WF) and D...Forty testicles were used to carry out histomorphometry study on the testes, epididymides and spermatozoa of four indigenous breeds of bull found in Ibadan (Red Bororo (RB), Sokoto Gudali (SG), White Fulani (WF) and Dhali (DL)<span style="font-family:;" "="">)</span><span style="font-family:;" "="">. The testicles were harvested immediately after the slaughter at the Bodija abattoir and transported to the laboratory in an insulated flask containing warm water at 37<span style="color:#4F4F4F;font-family:-apple-system, " font-size:16px;white-space:normal;background-color:#ffffff;"="">°</span>C within 30 minutes. In the laboratory, the samples were dissected and histological sections of the right testis, right and left caudal epididymides taken from two bulls in each group. The tissues were fixed in Bouin’s fluid. They were processed in an automatic tissue processor, embedded in paraffin wax using the embedding system (Leica EG 1160) and sectioned with microtome at 4 microns. The sections were then stained by <span>Haematoxylin and Eosin method and mounted and examined under a microscope. There was no significant difference between breed and seminiferous</span> tubular diameter (STD) and testicular germinal height (TGEH). The mean STD ranged from 223.00 ± 28.35 to 316.00 ± 37.70 μm, while the TGEH ranged from 81.60 ± 10.05 to 89.80 ± 4.83 μm. The mean epididymal tubular diameters (ETD) and epididymal lumen diameters (ELD) had the highest value of 378.00 ± 10.95 and 298.20 ± 26.0489 μm in DL and lowest of 373.80 ± 37.70 and 278.10 ± 27.71 μm in RB, respectively. The mean epididymal germinal epithelia heights (EGEH) were highest (61.20 ± 5.70 μm) in WF and lowest (39.80 ± 0.86 μm) in RB. The mean sperm head length (SHL), sperm midpiece length (SMPL), sperm tail length (STL) and sperm total length (TL) had the highest values of 5.90 ± 0.10, 8.80 ± 0.25, 24.20 ± 2.59 and 38.90 ± 2.94 μm, respectively in SG. SHL and SMPL were lowest in DL bulls (5.00 ± 0.00 and 6.30 ± 0.20 μm), while STL and TL were lowest (18.90 ± 0.24 and 31.30 ± 0.85 μm). The results of this study provide baseline data on the histomorphometry of the testes and epididymides and spermatozoa of some indigenous bulls.</span>展开更多
The imminent danger of the Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated research in pharmaceuticals that either target the viral Spike proteins fusion with ACE2 receptors,or the infectious RNA replication that often overwhelms i...The imminent danger of the Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated research in pharmaceuticals that either target the viral Spike proteins fusion with ACE2 receptors,or the infectious RNA replication that often overwhelms immune defences.The scope of this review was to elucidate the main human vulnerabilities to Covid-19,including the accumulation of ACE2 receptors in testes,adipose tissue,thyroid,heart and kidneys that escalate viral affinity in males,the aged,and certain medical conditions,including diabetes,CVD,and pulmonary diseases.Pre-existing inflammation inherent in obesity may exacerbate the“cytokine storm,”a rampaging immune reaction during the course of Covid-19 that is deleterious to the host.We examined the molecular dynamics illustrating the action of new therapeutics necessary for Covid-19 patients;the estradiol advantage hypothesis;alternative therapies including hormone replacement procedures and mesenchymal stem cells;plus preventive and protective interventions.The current perspective also explored the primary components of dysregulated health predisposing individuals to Covid-19,including hormonal imbalance,increased lipids and lipoproteins,thyroid dysfunction,degraded fitness,and age-related testosterone decline accompanied by cortisol increase that provokes stress eating behaviours and weight accumulation.Obesity increases the probability of Covid-19 infection due to its abundance of ACE2 receptors;while physical activity may decrease Covid-19 vulnerability,by reducing fat and increasing muscle mass that manifests a relatively inhibited ACE2 expression.Several weight management solutions feature lasers and radiofrequency which diminish subcutaneous adiposity but do not enhance fitness.A data metanalysis of seven recently published clinical studies on 95 obese individuals,73 males and 22 females with an average BMI of 30.9,demonstrated visceral fat reduction combined with increased skeletal muscle mass.It also revealed a statistically significant decrease in BMI,lipids,lipoproteins,inflammation and toxicity as measured by CRP,Creatinine and Bilirubin respectively,juxtaposed by optimally healthier levels of Cortisol,Testosterone,Free T3,IGF-1,Insulin,and the appetite controlling hormones Leptin and Ghrelin.展开更多
Aim:To elucidate the distribution and regulation of Neuropeptide Y(NPY)gene expression in testes under physiologi- cal and pathophysiological conditions,such as testicular development,fasting and experimental cryptorc...Aim:To elucidate the distribution and regulation of Neuropeptide Y(NPY)gene expression in testes under physiologi- cal and pathophysiological conditions,such as testicular development,fasting and experimental cryptorchidism. Methods:In the first experiment,C57BL/6J male mice at the ages of 3 days as well as 2,3,5 and 8 weeks were used. In the second and third experiments,adult C57BL/6J male mice were subjected to fasting for 48 h and experimental cryptorchidism for 72 h.The NPY transcripts were detected by isotopic in situ hybridization histochemistry.Results: The NPY transcripts were exclusively expressed in the interstitial cells regardless of the age groups and experimental conditions.The NPY mRNA levels were found to increase significantly with age(from the neonatal to prepubertal period [P<0.01] and from the prepubetal to postpubertal period [P<0.01]).Food deprivation for 48 h resulted in a significant increase in the NPY mRNA levels in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus(P<0.01),but not in the testes.Experimental cryptorchidism for 72 h failed to regulate the NPY gene expression in the testes.Conclusion: NPY gene expression is distributed in Leydig cells and increases in line with testicular development.The regulation of testicular NPY is different from that of hypothalamic NPY.(Asian J Androl 2006 Jul;8:443-449)展开更多
immature male mice were selected in the experiment to assess the effects of Deer semen on the development of testes. 20 mice were fed with 0.05 mL semen·d -1 for 15 days and the rest fed with the same volume...immature male mice were selected in the experiment to assess the effects of Deer semen on the development of testes. 20 mice were fed with 0.05 mL semen·d -1 for 15 days and the rest fed with the same volume of albumeh for the same period as controls. The relative weight of testis to body weight was higher in treated group than that in the control (P<0.05), so was the volume of testis (P<0.05). The density of testis was lower in treated group than in the control (P<0.05). Eighty percent of mice in the treated group showed the appearance of tubule cavity and spermatozoa in the testis, but only about 20% in the control. It was concluded that the Deer semen had improvement effects on the development of testes and sexual maturity of mice.展开更多
THE name Zhen Huan has once again become a household name across China, On August 18, 2017, the author of the popular novel featuring Zhen＇s life in the imperial court in the Qing Dynasty （1644-1911）, now also a hi...THE name Zhen Huan has once again become a household name across China, On August 18, 2017, the author of the popular novel featuring Zhen＇s life in the imperial court in the Qing Dynasty （1644-1911）, now also a hit TV series, filed the first case tried by the first online court, Hangzhou Court of the Internet, in China - and the world,展开更多
The high-temperature mechanical properties of 95W-3.5Ni-1.5Fe and 95W-4.5Ni-0.5Co alloys were investigated in the temperature range of room temperature to1100℃. The yield strength and tensile strengths declined gradu...The high-temperature mechanical properties of 95W-3.5Ni-1.5Fe and 95W-4.5Ni-0.5Co alloys were investigated in the temperature range of room temperature to1100℃. The yield strength and tensile strengths declined gradually, and the ductility of both alloys increased as the testing temperature was increased to 300℃. All the three properties reached a plateau at temperatures between 300 and 500℃ in the case of 95W-3.5Ni-l.5Fe and at temperatures between 350 and 700℃ in the case of 95W-4.5Ni-0.5Co. Thereafter, the ductility as well as yield and tensile strengths decreased considerably.展开更多
Aim:To investigate wether the corresponding protein of mono-ADP-ribosyltransferase 3(ART3)mRNA is ex- pressed in human testes and,if so,whether the expression is cell type-specific.Methods:ART3 mRNA was deter- mined i...Aim:To investigate wether the corresponding protein of mono-ADP-ribosyltransferase 3(ART3)mRNA is ex- pressed in human testes and,if so,whether the expression is cell type-specific.Methods:ART3 mRNA was deter- mined in human testes and sperm by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR).The glycosyl- phosphatidylinositol linkage of ART3 was shown by treating ART3-transfected HEK-293-T cells with phospholipase C.Fluorescent activated cell sorter(FACS)-analyses were used to detect ART3 on mature spermatozoa and immuno- histological studies to detect the protein in testes.Results:ART3 protein was shown to be present in testes.It was found on spermatocytes only.It was absent from spermatogonia,spermatids and spermatozoa.The absence of ART3 from spermatozoa was confirmed by FACS-analysis.ART3 protein was detected neither within a seminoma nor on Leydig cells.Conclusion:Here we show for the first time that ART3 protein is expressed in testes in particular on spermatocytes,indicating that ART3 exerts a specific function only required at a particular stage of spermatogenesis.展开更多
Around half of the men who have sex with men(MSM)have never been tested for human immunodeficiency virus(HIV),even though the health authorities promoted a massive scale-up of HIV testing and counseling in health faci...Around half of the men who have sex with men(MSM)have never been tested for human immunodeficiency virus(HIV),even though the health authorities promoted a massive scale-up of HIV testing and counseling in health facilities[1].HIV self-testing has been recommended by the World Health Organization as a user-friendly,convenient,rapid,and accurate approach to access HIV testing[2].An internet-based provision of self-testing services may be critical to the rollout of HIV self-testing,but more research is needed.展开更多
基金The National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.51178114)the Chinese Western Transportation Construction Technology Project of Transportation Ministry(No.2009318000086)
文摘To determine the fracture characteristics of asphalt mixture a novel fracture test with modified loading modes loading fixtures and the control system of the conventional overlay tester is implemented by the asphalt material performance tester AMPT .In order to evaluate the validity of the proposed fracture test four different loading rates including 1 2 3 and 4 mm/min are examined in the AMPT. The results indicate that the fracture behavior is similar to creep at a low loading rate and does not show significant marginal tail extension at a high loading rate.It clearly shows the phase of crack initiation crack propagation and fracture at a loading rate of 3 mm/min. Besides eight fracture parameters such as fracture energy tensile strength and tensile modulus are applied to evaluate the fracture characteristics of asphalt mixture.Development of the overlay tester for the fracture test of asphalt mixture can be considered as a new fracture test of asphalt mixture.
文摘AIM:To measure the optimal anterior chamber pressure(ACP)for safe phacoemulsification using a new tube chamber system with internal pressure measurement function in the porcine eye.METHODS:The 20-gauge and 21-gauge straight tips with yellow and orange sleeves,respectively,were covered by a test chamber combined with a pressure sensor for measuring ACP.This was measured for 20s from 10s after starting aspiration in the linear mode using vacuum levels of 200 and 150 mm Hg with a 20-gauge tip,and 300 and 250 mm Hg with a 21-gauge tip.Using a porcine eye,a pressure sensor fixed with a 0.9 mm corneal incision measured ACP.For the posterior capsule contact assay,porcine eyes were treated as described above,and the ultrasonic needle tip was held at the height of the iris and aspirated for 30s in linear mode at a vacuum of 200 and 150 mm Hg for the 20-gauge tip,and 300 and 250 mm Hg for the 21-gauge tip.The bottle height at which the posterior capsule accidentally contacted the ultrasonic tip was recorded,and the estimated ACP was calculated.RESULTS:The internal pressure of the new tube chamber system and ACP from the porcine eye closely matched proportional changes at vacuum levels of 200 and 150 mm Hg with 20-gauge tips.Similarly,proportional changes at vacuum levels of 300 and 250 mm Hg with the 21-gauge tip were nearly equal.The bottle height at which the posterior capsule contacted with the tip and estimated ACP were 57.5±12.6 cm(20.2±7.9 mm Hg)at 200 mm Hg with a 20-gauge tip,35.0±10.0 cm(16.6±6.3 mm Hg)at 150 mm Hg with a 20-gauge tip,47.5±12.6 cm(18.7±8.7 mm Hg)at 300 mm Hg with a 21-gauge tip,and 32.5±5.0 cm(15.7±3.5 mm Hg)at 250 mm Hg with a 21-gauge tip.CONCLUSION:A comprehensive understanding of this chamber system’s characteristics and usage can resolve anterior chamber instability caused by changing preoperative settings on the phaco machine.
基金Partly supported by Ahmadu Bello University Board of Research(Grant No.ABU/UBR/125/09)
文摘Objective:To evaluate the alleviating effects of melatonin on oxidative changes in the testes and pituitary gland induced by subacute chlopyrifos（CPF） exposure in rats.Methods:Forty adult male Wistar rats divided into 4 groups of 10 animals were used for the study.Croup I received soya oil（2 mL/kg） while group II was administered with melatonin（0.5 mg/kg）.Group III was administered CPF only(8.5 mg/kg <sup> </sup>l/10th of the LD<sub>50</sub>) while group Ⅳ was pretreated with melatonin（0.5 mg/kg） and then exposed to CPF（8.5 mg/kg）,10 min later.The regimens were administered by gavage once daily for a period of 28 d.At the end of the exposure period, the rats were sacrificed and the testicular tissues and pituitary glands were evaluated for the malonaldehyde（MDA） concentration and activities of superoxide dismutase（SOD） and catalase（CAT）.Results:CPF increased MDA concentrations and reduced the activities of SOD and CAT in the testes and pituitary gland.Melatonin pretreatment reduced the testicular and pituitary MDA concentrations and improves the SOD and CAT activities.Conclusions:the study showed that subacute CPF-induced oxidative stress in the testes and pituitary glands were alleviated by melatonin due to its antioxidant property.
文摘Aim： To investigate wether the corresponding protein of mono-ADP-ribosyltransferase 3 （ART3） mRNA is expressed in human testes and, if so, whether the expression is cell type-specific. Methods： ART3 mRNA was determined in human testes and sperm by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR）. The glycosylphosphatidylinositol linkage of ART3 was shown by treating ART3-transfected HEK-293-T cells with phospholipase C. Fluorescent activated cell sorter （FACS）-analyses were used to detect ART3 on mature spermatozoa and immunohistological studies to detect the protein in testes. Results： ART3 protein was shown to be present in testes. It was found on spermatocytes only. It was absent from spermatogonia, spermatids and spermatozoa. The absence of ART3 from spermatozoa was confirmed by FACS-analysis. ART3 protein was detected neither within a seminoma nor on Leydig cells. Conclusion： Here we show for the first time that ART3 protein is expressed in testes in particular on spermatocytes, indicating that ART3 exerts a specific function only required at a particular stage of spermatogenesis.
基金support is provided by the Foundation of Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation of Ministry of Education,China WesNormal University(XNYB01-3)
文摘Testes size in most animals commonly shows directional asymmetry. In birds, the left testis mass is usually larger than the right one, but the reports on the testes asymmetry in anurans are very few. Moller （1994） hypothesized that the right testis serves a compensatory role and increases in size when the left one is defective, and further suggested that testes asymmetry may be a reliable indicator of individual body condition. In this paper, we tested the compensation hypothesis in the Guenther＇s frog, Hylarana guentheri. From 60 sampled males, we found that there was a significant directional asymmetry in testes mass, with the left testis size being significantly correlated with relative testes asymmetry, providing evidence that the right testis had a compensatory function. However, testes mass and asymmetry were not correlated with body condition. Hence, we found no evidence that testes asymmetry in the Guenther＇s frog reflected male condition, and male age was also not related to testes mass or asymmetry.
基金support of the National Science Counci(NSC94-2211-E-005-022),Taiwan,China
文摘The mechanical properties of colluvium strongly govern the stability of colluvial slopes, and they arc essential for the related analysis and design. Nevertheless, their measurement is not easy on account of heterogeneity in property and difficulty of sampling. This study attempted to evaluate the shear strength of remolded colluvium by means of a simple direct shear test in the field. A portable direct shear tester was designed to overcome the inconvenience and expensiveness of the conventional large-scale in-situ direct shear test. It can be easily assembled and applied for the silnplc field direct shear test. For calibration, the results of the portable direct shear tester were compared with the results of the laboratory direct shear tester for four different types of soil samples, i.e. standard sand, slate debris, arenaceous shale debris and mixture of gravel and sand. Correlation formulas were established based on the calibration, enabling the portable direct shear tester to measure and estimate the shear strength of remoldcd colluvium in field. This study primarily focuses on the colluvium in Central Taiwan, including the lateritic Dadu Terrace and the arcnaceous shale of Taiping-Wufcng mounts. The portable direct shear tester was applied to sites selected in these areas, and the results were furthcr analyzed and discussed.
文摘Oxidative stress has been identified as one of the factors that affects fertility status. Therefore, this study sought to investigate the inhibitory effect of aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera and Newbuoldia laevis leaves on FeSO4 and Sodium Nitroprusside (SNP) induced lipid peroxidation in rat testes in vitro. Incubation of the testes tissue homogenate in the presence of FeSO4 and SNP caused a significant increase in the malondialdehyde (MDA) contents of the testes. The aqueous extract from both Moringa oleifera and Newbuoldia laevis leaves caused a significant decrease in the MDA contents of the testes in a dose-dependent manner. However, aqueous extract from Moringa oleifera leaf (EC50 = 0.29 mg/ml) had a significant (P2+ induced lipid peroxidation in the rat testes homogenate than that of Newbuoldia laevis leaf extract (EC50 = 0.58 mg/ml);while there was no significant (P2+ chelating and reducing power. Therefore, these plants have potential to prevent oxidative stress in testes and improve fertility outcomes.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(30871853)
文摘The toxicity of melamine has attracted much attention since the recent outbreaks of renal injury in pets and infants. Previous studies indicated that melamine by itself had low toxicity, whereas a mixture of melamine and cyanuric acid （M＋CA） could cause serious renal damage. At present, most researches on the toxicity of M＋CA are focused on the kidney. However, little is known about the adverse effects of this mixture on the reproductive system. In the present study, the toxicity of M＋CA to testes was investigated. Immature male mice were orally dosed with 0, 0.6, 3, and 15 mg kg-1 d-1 of a 1：1 M＋CA for 28 d. Pathological changes occurred in germ cells, such as loose arrangement, reduced numbers and karyopyknosis, indicating that this mixture was toxic to spermatogenesis. Compared with the control group, the TUNEL- positive germ cells increased significantly and the ratio of Bcl-2 to Bax, total antioxidant capacity and superoxide dismutase activity decreased significantly in the 3 and 15 mg kg-1 d- M＋CA treated group, while the activities of caspase-3, caspase- 8 and caspase-9 remained unchanged. The results suggest that M＋CA can induce apoptosis in the mice testes. The downregulation of Bcl-2/Bax and oxidative stress may play a pivotal role in the induction of apoptosis by M＋CA in mice testes.
文摘Objective To investigate the contraceptive mechanism of combination regimen of low- dose gossypol acetic acid （GA） with steroid hormones [desogestre/ethinylestradiol/ testosterone undeeanote（DSG/EE/TU）]. Methods Adult male rats were randomly divided into four groups. Group GH： rats were fed orally with gossypol acetic acid （GA, 12.5 mg/kg） and desogestrel （DSG, 0.125 mg/kg）/ ethinylestradiol （EE, 0.025 mg/kg）/testosterone undecanoate （TU, 100 mg/kg per day, qd X4 weeks or 10 weeks）; group G： a single dose of GA （12.5 mg/kg per day, qd X 4 weeks or I0 weeks）; group H： the same dosage of DSG/EE/TUas in group GH; group C： rats were treated with vehicle （1% methyl cellulose） as the control. Expression of protein kinase C alpha （PKC-a） and cyclin D1 in rat testes were tested mainly by immunohistochemistry （IHC） and Western blotting. Results IHC results showed that protein PKC- a was expressed mainly in interstitial tissue of testis among seminiferous tubule. The expression of PKC-oc in groups H and GH at week 10 was decreased greatly compared with that in group C. The protein cyclin D1 was expressed mainly in residual body of seminiferous tubule eavosurface and interstitial tissue among seminiferous tubule of testis. Western blotting results showed that the expression of PKC-a in groups H and GH at week 10 was decreased significantly compared with that in group C （P〈0.05）. The expression of cyclin D1 in groups G, H or GH at week 10 rose significantly compared with that in group C （P 〈0.05）.Conclusion The administration of low-dose gossypol acetic acid with steroid hormones for 10 weeks can decrease the expression of PKC-a greatly.
文摘Impact testing is a primary method to evaluate the impact property of resistance spot welding,which is an important quality index in automotive industry.For testing impact properties of spot welds,many customized testers have been developed.This paper summarized some of the impact testers reported in open literatures and the emphasis was placed on the equipment structures,functions,technical parameters,advantages and disadvantage,etc.Some key issues about the development of the testers such as kinematic energy input mode,fixture design,combined load testing,sensor and data acquisition were discussed.Finally,the problems and prospects in the research and development of impact testers for spot welds were pointed out.
基金the National Basic Research Program (973) of China(No.2010CB834306)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.81171098)
文摘Synchrotron radiation(SR) X-ray has significant potential for medical applications. However, the mechanisms underlying the effects of SR X-ray on biological tissues remain unclear. Because increasing evidence has indicated critical roles of cluster of differentiation 38(CD38) in various cellular functions and cell survival, in this study we used rodent testes as a model to determine the effects of SR X-ray irradiation on the CD38 level of the testes. We found that SR X-ray irradiation led to a significant increase in the CD38 level of rodent testes one day after the irradiation. In contrast, the SR X-ray irradiation did not produce a significant increase in the CD38 level of the testes from the rats that were administered with the antioxidant N-acetyl cysteine, thus suggesting that oxidative stress plays a significant role in the SR X-ray irradiation-induced increase in the CD38 levels. Our study has also provided evidence suggesting that poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase(PARP) activity is not involved in the SR X-ray irradiation-produced effect on the CD38 levels. Collectively, this study has provided first in vivo evidence indicating that CD38 levels can be increased by ionizing radiation, in which oxidative stress plays an important role. Because oxidative stress occurs in ionizing radiation as well as such diseases as cerebral ischemia and Parkinson's disease, oxidative stress may produce pathological effects by inducing increased CD38 levels.
文摘Testicular tissue was studied in domesticated yak and in wild yak × domesticated yak(F1 and F2)bulls at 6,12,18 and 24 months of age by stereology for quautitative histology and by comparative studies on the lactate dehydrogenase(LDH)isoenzyme spectrum, LDH activity and the percentage content of LDH isoenzymes in testes. The results indicated that all three types of yak were similar in both the characteristics of ultrastructure of testicular tissue and the degree of germ cell development. The process of spermatogenesis was initiated and sperm were produced for the first time at the age of 12months in all three yak types. All yak types exhibited similar age-related, increases in weight of testes,volume density of both the seminiferous tubules and seminiferous epithelium and height of seminiferous epithelium but all these indexes were slightly affected by season. The number of LDH isoenzyme bands after electrophoresis varied with age as follows: four bands were present at 6 months of age, five bands at 12 and 18 months and six bands at 24 months of age. The sixth band was LDH -x ,which appeared between the LDH4 and LDH5 band. These results indicated that yak bulls reach sexual maturity at 24months of age and that puberty is not affected by infusion of wild strains.
文摘Forty testicles were used to carry out histomorphometry study on the testes, epididymides and spermatozoa of four indigenous breeds of bull found in Ibadan (Red Bororo (RB), Sokoto Gudali (SG), White Fulani (WF) and Dhali (DL)<span style="font-family:;" "="">)</span><span style="font-family:;" "="">. The testicles were harvested immediately after the slaughter at the Bodija abattoir and transported to the laboratory in an insulated flask containing warm water at 37<span style="color:#4F4F4F;font-family:-apple-system, " font-size:16px;white-space:normal;background-color:#ffffff;"="">°</span>C within 30 minutes. In the laboratory, the samples were dissected and histological sections of the right testis, right and left caudal epididymides taken from two bulls in each group. The tissues were fixed in Bouin’s fluid. They were processed in an automatic tissue processor, embedded in paraffin wax using the embedding system (Leica EG 1160) and sectioned with microtome at 4 microns. The sections were then stained by <span>Haematoxylin and Eosin method and mounted and examined under a microscope. There was no significant difference between breed and seminiferous</span> tubular diameter (STD) and testicular germinal height (TGEH). The mean STD ranged from 223.00 ± 28.35 to 316.00 ± 37.70 μm, while the TGEH ranged from 81.60 ± 10.05 to 89.80 ± 4.83 μm. The mean epididymal tubular diameters (ETD) and epididymal lumen diameters (ELD) had the highest value of 378.00 ± 10.95 and 298.20 ± 26.0489 μm in DL and lowest of 373.80 ± 37.70 and 278.10 ± 27.71 μm in RB, respectively. The mean epididymal germinal epithelia heights (EGEH) were highest (61.20 ± 5.70 μm) in WF and lowest (39.80 ± 0.86 μm) in RB. The mean sperm head length (SHL), sperm midpiece length (SMPL), sperm tail length (STL) and sperm total length (TL) had the highest values of 5.90 ± 0.10, 8.80 ± 0.25, 24.20 ± 2.59 and 38.90 ± 2.94 μm, respectively in SG. SHL and SMPL were lowest in DL bulls (5.00 ± 0.00 and 6.30 ± 0.20 μm), while STL and TL were lowest (18.90 ± 0.24 and 31.30 ± 0.85 μm). The results of this study provide baseline data on the histomorphometry of the testes and epididymides and spermatozoa of some indigenous bulls.</span>
文摘The imminent danger of the Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated research in pharmaceuticals that either target the viral Spike proteins fusion with ACE2 receptors,or the infectious RNA replication that often overwhelms immune defences.The scope of this review was to elucidate the main human vulnerabilities to Covid-19,including the accumulation of ACE2 receptors in testes,adipose tissue,thyroid,heart and kidneys that escalate viral affinity in males,the aged,and certain medical conditions,including diabetes,CVD,and pulmonary diseases.Pre-existing inflammation inherent in obesity may exacerbate the“cytokine storm,”a rampaging immune reaction during the course of Covid-19 that is deleterious to the host.We examined the molecular dynamics illustrating the action of new therapeutics necessary for Covid-19 patients;the estradiol advantage hypothesis;alternative therapies including hormone replacement procedures and mesenchymal stem cells;plus preventive and protective interventions.The current perspective also explored the primary components of dysregulated health predisposing individuals to Covid-19,including hormonal imbalance,increased lipids and lipoproteins,thyroid dysfunction,degraded fitness,and age-related testosterone decline accompanied by cortisol increase that provokes stress eating behaviours and weight accumulation.Obesity increases the probability of Covid-19 infection due to its abundance of ACE2 receptors;while physical activity may decrease Covid-19 vulnerability,by reducing fat and increasing muscle mass that manifests a relatively inhibited ACE2 expression.Several weight management solutions feature lasers and radiofrequency which diminish subcutaneous adiposity but do not enhance fitness.A data metanalysis of seven recently published clinical studies on 95 obese individuals,73 males and 22 females with an average BMI of 30.9,demonstrated visceral fat reduction combined with increased skeletal muscle mass.It also revealed a statistically significant decrease in BMI,lipids,lipoproteins,inflammation and toxicity as measured by CRP,Creatinine and Bilirubin respectively,juxtaposed by optimally healthier levels of Cortisol,Testosterone,Free T3,IGF-1,Insulin,and the appetite controlling hormones Leptin and Ghrelin.
文摘Aim:To elucidate the distribution and regulation of Neuropeptide Y(NPY)gene expression in testes under physiologi- cal and pathophysiological conditions,such as testicular development,fasting and experimental cryptorchidism. Methods:In the first experiment,C57BL/6J male mice at the ages of 3 days as well as 2,3,5 and 8 weeks were used. In the second and third experiments,adult C57BL/6J male mice were subjected to fasting for 48 h and experimental cryptorchidism for 72 h.The NPY transcripts were detected by isotopic in situ hybridization histochemistry.Results: The NPY transcripts were exclusively expressed in the interstitial cells regardless of the age groups and experimental conditions.The NPY mRNA levels were found to increase significantly with age(from the neonatal to prepubertal period [P<0.01] and from the prepubetal to postpubertal period [P<0.01]).Food deprivation for 48 h resulted in a significant increase in the NPY mRNA levels in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus(P<0.01),but not in the testes.Experimental cryptorchidism for 72 h failed to regulate the NPY gene expression in the testes.Conclusion: NPY gene expression is distributed in Leydig cells and increases in line with testicular development.The regulation of testicular NPY is different from that of hypothalamic NPY.(Asian J Androl 2006 Jul;8:443-449)
文摘immature male mice were selected in the experiment to assess the effects of Deer semen on the development of testes. 20 mice were fed with 0.05 mL semen·d -1 for 15 days and the rest fed with the same volume of albumeh for the same period as controls. The relative weight of testis to body weight was higher in treated group than that in the control (P<0.05), so was the volume of testis (P<0.05). The density of testis was lower in treated group than in the control (P<0.05). Eighty percent of mice in the treated group showed the appearance of tubule cavity and spermatozoa in the testis, but only about 20% in the control. It was concluded that the Deer semen had improvement effects on the development of testes and sexual maturity of mice.
文摘THE name Zhen Huan has once again become a household name across China, On August 18, 2017, the author of the popular novel featuring Zhen＇s life in the imperial court in the Qing Dynasty （1644-1911）, now also a hit TV series, filed the first case tried by the first online court, Hangzhou Court of the Internet, in China - and the world,
文摘The high-temperature mechanical properties of 95W-3.5Ni-1.5Fe and 95W-4.5Ni-0.5Co alloys were investigated in the temperature range of room temperature to1100℃. The yield strength and tensile strengths declined gradually, and the ductility of both alloys increased as the testing temperature was increased to 300℃. All the three properties reached a plateau at temperatures between 300 and 500℃ in the case of 95W-3.5Ni-l.5Fe and at temperatures between 350 and 700℃ in the case of 95W-4.5Ni-0.5Co. Thereafter, the ductility as well as yield and tensile strengths decreased considerably.
文摘Aim:To investigate wether the corresponding protein of mono-ADP-ribosyltransferase 3(ART3)mRNA is ex- pressed in human testes and,if so,whether the expression is cell type-specific.Methods:ART3 mRNA was deter- mined in human testes and sperm by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR).The glycosyl- phosphatidylinositol linkage of ART3 was shown by treating ART3-transfected HEK-293-T cells with phospholipase C.Fluorescent activated cell sorter(FACS)-analyses were used to detect ART3 on mature spermatozoa and immuno- histological studies to detect the protein in testes.Results:ART3 protein was shown to be present in testes.It was found on spermatocytes only.It was absent from spermatogonia,spermatids and spermatozoa.The absence of ART3 from spermatozoa was confirmed by FACS-analysis.ART3 protein was detected neither within a seminoma nor on Leydig cells.Conclusion:Here we show for the first time that ART3 protein is expressed in testes in particular on spermatocytes,indicating that ART3 exerts a specific function only required at a particular stage of spermatogenesis.
基金supported by the National Science and Technology Major Project Research of the 13th Five-Year[No.2018ZX10101001-001-003]National Natural Science Foundation of China[No.81872674]AIDS Healthcare Foundation(AHF)China program[No.2016-P-001]。
文摘Around half of the men who have sex with men(MSM)have never been tested for human immunodeficiency virus(HIV),even though the health authorities promoted a massive scale-up of HIV testing and counseling in health facilities[1].HIV self-testing has been recommended by the World Health Organization as a user-friendly,convenient,rapid,and accurate approach to access HIV testing[2].An internet-based provision of self-testing services may be critical to the rollout of HIV self-testing,but more research is needed.
