A patient presented with scrotal cellulitis as a complication of infusing 900 ml saline into his scrotum. He had obtained a kit along with explicit instructions for performing the infusion through the Internet. This practice may be more widespread than expected. An Internet search revealed many references to this procedure, but a MEDLINE search showed virtually no information in the medical literature. Patients who are considering scrotal inflation, as it is called in the lay literature, should be warned of the potential complications of this procedure.

Colorectal cancer is a common disease, representing the third and second most common cause of cancer death in the United States in women and men, respectively. [Ahnen et al.: Mayo Clin Proc 2014;89:216-224; Siegel et al.: CA Cancer J Clin 2016;66:7]. It is estimated that 20% of patients have distant metastatic disease at time of diagnosis [Ahnen et al.: Mayo Clin Proc 2014;89:216-224; Siegel et al.: CA Cancer J Clin 2016;66:7]. The most common metastatic sites include regional lymph nodes, liver, lungs, and peritoneum via lymphatic/hematogenous dissemination as well as contiguous and transperitoneal routes [Ahnen et al.: Mayo Clin Proc 2014;89:216-224; Siegel et al.: CA Cancer J Clin 2016;66:7]. Upon review of the literature, we found that metastatic colon cancer to the scrotum is rare. The following case report proved to be a unique example of this type of metastasis. This rare regional metastasis is theorized to have resulted from a colo-urethro-scrotal fistula that precipitated from the patient's prior traumatic event. (C) 2017 The Author(s) Published by S. Karger AG, Basel

A series of experiments was conducted to evaluate the effects of nutrition during calfhood (defined as the period from 10 to 26-30 wk of age) and peripubertal period (defined as the period from 27-31 to 70-74 wk of age) on sexual development and reproductive function in beef bulls. The overall objective of these experiments was to evaluate the effects of nutrition on endogenous metabolic hormones (leptin, insulin, GH, and IGF-I), gonadotropins and testosterone concentrations, sexual development, sperm production, and semen quality in bulls. The results of these experiments demonstrated that nutrition affected GnRH secretion and sexual development in bulls. Increased nutrition during calfhood resulted in a more sustained increase in LH pulse frequency during the early gonadotropin rise and greater testicular development at maturity. On the other hand, low nutrition during calfhood suppressed LH secretion during the early gonadotropin rise and resulted in delayed puberty and reduced testicular development at maturity. When low nutrition was accomplished by restricted feed intake, hypothalamic and pituitary function were compromised and LH secretion was more severely affected. Temporal associations between LH secretion patterns and circulating IGF-I concentrations implied that IGF-I is a possible signal to the central metabolic sensor involved in translating body nutritional status to the GnRH pulse generator. Nutrition also affected testicular steroidogenesis (testosterone concentrations), indicating effects on the number or function of Leydig cells, or both. Age-related increases in physiological and GnRH-stimulated circulating testosterone concentrations were hastened in bulls receiving high nutrition and delayed in bulls receiving low nutrition; these effects were probably mediated by both LH secretion and IGF-I concentrations. Circulating leptin and insulin may have only permissive roles on GnRH secretion, but may enhance testicular development. Growth hormone concentrations decreased concomitantly with increasing IGF-I concentrations during sexual development in bulls, suggesting that the testes could contribute considerable amounts of circulating IGF-I. In conclusion, management strategies to optimize reproductive function in bulls should focus on increasing nutrition during calfhood.

A series of experiments was conducted to evaluate the effects of nutrition during calfhood (defined as the period from 10 to 26-30 wk of age) and peripubertal period (defined as the period from 27-31 to 70-74 wk of age) on sexual development and reproductive function in beef bulls. The overall objective of these experiments was to evaluate the effects of nutrition on endogenous metabolic hormones (leptin, insulin, GH, and IGF-I), gonadotropins and testosterone concentrations, sexual development, sperm production, and semen quality in bulls. The results of these experiments demonstrated that nutrition affected GnRH secretion and sexual development in bulls. Increased nutrition during calfhood resulted in a more sustained increase in LH pulse frequency during the early gonadotropin rise and greater testicular development at maturity. On the other hand, low nutrition during calfhood suppressed LH secretion during the early gonadotropin rise and resulted in delayed puberty and reduced testicular development at maturity. When low nutrition was accomplished by restricted feed intake, hypothalamic and pituitary function were compromised and LH secretion was more severely affected. Temporal associations between LH secretion patterns and circulating IGF-I concentrations implied that IGF-I is a possible signal to the central metabolic sensor involved in translating body nutritional status to the GnRH pulse generator. Nutrition also affected testicular steroidogenesis (testosterone concentrations), indicating effects on the number or function of Leydig cells, or both. Age-related increases in physiological and GnRH-stimulated circulating testosterone concentrations were hastened in bulls receiving high nutrition and delayed in bulls receiving low nutrition; these effects were probably mediated by both LH secretion and IGF-I concentrations. Circulating leptin and insulin may have only permissive roles on GnRH secretion, but may enhance testicular development. Growth hormone concentrations decreased concomitantly with increasing IGF-I concentrations during sexual development in bulls, suggesting that the testes could contribute considerable amounts of circulating IGF-I. In conclusion, management strategies to optimize reproductive function in bulls should focus on increasing nutrition during calfhood.

For years, a prescrotal technique has been the only accepted method of male dog sterilization, as dogs are considered to be “scrotal conscious.” The prevailing thought has been that a scrotal incision will cause more complications including swelling and induction of self-trauma. There is, however, little in the scientific literature that confirms or contradicts this thinking. In this study 437 apparently healthy male dogs over the age of 6 months were randomly allocated into 2 treatment groups and castrated by either a prescrotal (n=206) or scrotal incision (N=231). Complications were recorded up to 72 hours following the procedure. The focus of this study is to evaluate the hypothesis that there are no differences between the prescrotal and scrotal technique. The method of castration was not found to be significantly associated with hemorrhage, pain or swelling. A reduced incidence in self trauma was associated with scrotal castrations.

A degeneração testicular (DT) possui grande relevância dentre os distúrbios da reprodução e pode ser causada pelo aumento da temperatura testicular. Este provoca aumento do metabolismo celular, levando ao estresse oxidativo (EO) e apoptose. O tratamento usual consiste na retirada do agente causador e administração de antioxidantes; entretanto, pode não ser eficiente. Dessa forma, o presente estudo preconizou o tratamento da DT por meio de agentes com poder proliferativo: vitamina A e laserterapia de baixa intensidade (LTBI). Foram realizados três experimentos; o experimento 1 objetivou definir a dose de energia da LTBI necessária para a bioestimulação testicular. Foram utilizados seis carneiros distribuídos em três grupos: GC) insulação escrotal (IE) e sem tratamento (n=2); G28) IE e tratado com LTBI com 808 nm de comprimento de onda, 30 mW de potência e 28 J/cm² de densidade de energia por 15 dias a cada 48 horas (n=2); G56) IE e tratado com LTBI com 808 nm, 30 mW e 56 J/cm² por 15 dias a cada 48 horas (n=2). Foram feitas análises clínicas, reprodutivas e histopatológicas. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância (ANOVA) e teste de Tukey. Apesar da LTBI diminuir as taxas de espermatozoides com membrana acrossomal íntegra, esta foi eficiente em aumentar a população celular dos túbulos seminíferos no G28. Portanto, a LBTI provocou efeito bioestimulatório em testículos degenerados de carneiros. O experimento 2 objetivou validar a técnica de avaliação do EO espermático por meio da sonda fluorescente CellROX Deep Red®. Foram realizados dois experimentos; o primeiro utilizou ejaculados de três carneiros tratados em T0 (ejaculado não submetido à indução de EO), T50 (50% não induzido e 50% induzido ao EO) e T100 (submetido ao EO). Os dados foram submetidos à regressão linear. No segundo experimento foram utilizados 16 carneiros submetidos à IE. Foram feitas avaliações do EO antes e após a IE. Os dados foram submetidos à ANOVA e teste LSD de Fisher. O coeficiente de determinação foi de 0,728 e houve aumento do EO após a IE. Assim, a sonda CellROX® foi capaz de detectar o EO espermático. No experimento 3 foi proposto tratamento para a DT baseado na suplementação vitamínica ou LTBI. Foram utilizados 33 carneiros distribuídos em seis grupos: CC) sem IE e sem tratamento (n=5); CA) sem IE e tratado com vitamina A IM 120.000 UI/animal, duas vezes por semana durante três semanas (n=6); CL) sem IE e tratado com LTBI protocolo G28 (experimento 1) (n=5); IC) IE e sem tratamento (n = 5); IA) IE e tratado com vitamina A IM 120.000 UI/animal, duas vezes por semana durante três semanas (n=6); IL) IE e tratado com LTBI protocolo G28 (n=6). Foram realizadas análises clínicas, reprodutivas, hormonais e histopatológicas. Os dados foram analisados usando o procedimento de modelos mistos e os efeitos dos tratamentos foram avaliados utilizando contrastes ortogonais. Não houve efeito benéfico dos tratamentos para as características ultrassonográficas, qualidade espermática, concentração de testosterona e aspectos histopatológicos. Assim, os tratamentos não foram eficientes para melhorar a qualidade espermática nem promover a proliferação celular. / The testicular degeneration (TD) has great significance among the reproductive disorders and one of the main causes is the increase in testicular temperature. High testicular temperature results in increase cellular metabolism, leading to oxidative stress and apoptosis. The treatment consists in removing the causative agent and administration of antioxidants; however, it could be not efficient. The objective of this study is to recommend the treatment of TD by administering agents with proliferative action: vitamin A and low level laser therapy (LLLT). For this, three experiments were conducted. In experiment 1 the objective was to define the dose of energy for LLLT testicular biostimulation; it was used six rams distributed in three groups: GC) scrotal insulation (SI) and untreated (n=2); G28) SI and treated with LLLT with 808 nm, 30 mW and 28 J/cm ² of power density for 15 days every 48 hours (n=2); G56) SI and treated with LLLT with 808 nm, 30 mW and 56 J/cm² for 15 days every 48 hours (n=2). Clinics, reproductive and histopathological analyzes were done. Data were subjected to analysis of variance and Tukey test. The rates of sperm with intact acrosome membrane were decreased by LLLT, but the LLLT was effective in increasing the cell population of the seminiferous tubules in the G28. Thus, LLLT was able of causing stimulatory effect in degenerate testis of rams. The objective of experiment 2 was to assess the technique of evaluation of sperm oxidative stress (OS). This study was divided in two experiments; in experiment 1 was used ejaculates of three rams treated in T0 (ejaculate that was not submitted to OS induction), T50 (50% without OS and 50% inducted to OS) and T100 (entire submitted to OS induction). Data obtained were evaluated by linear regression analysis. In experiment 2, sixteen rams were submitted to SI. Analyses of OS were done before and after the SI. Data obtained were evaluated by analysis of variance and Fisher\'s LSD test. The determination coefficient was of 0.728 and there were increase in sperm showing OS after SI period. Thus, CellROX® fluorescent probe was able to detect sperm OS. The objective of experiment 3 was establish a treatment for TD based on vitamin A supplementation or LLLT; 33 rams were distributed in six groups: CC) no SI and non-treated (n=5); CA) no SI and treated with 120,000 IU/animal of IM vitamin A, twice a week for three weeks (n=6); CL) no SI and treated with LLLT G28 protocol (experiment 1) (n=5); IC) SI and untreated (n=5); IA) SI and treated with 120,000 IU/animal of IM vitamin A, twice a week for three weeks (n=6); IL) SI and treated with LLLT G28 protocol (n=6). Clinics, reproductive, hormonal and histopathological analyzes were performed. Data were analyzed using the mixed models procedure and treatments effects were evaluated using orthogonal contrasts. There was no beneficial effect of treatments for ultrasonographic characteristics, sperm quality, testosterone concentration and histopathological aspects. Thus, the treatments were not effective for improving sperm quality or promoting cell proliferation.

O estresse térmico em touros é um fator muito importante, pois afeta negativamente o comportamento reprodutivo e diminui a eficiência reprodutiva. Uma das causas deste efeito adverso é a ineficiência da termorregulação testicular, que conduz ao aumento do metabolismo celular, causando estresse oxidativo e apoptose das células germinativas, o que caracteriza a degeneração testicular, que pode levar à infertilidade, ou mesmo à esterilidade do animal. A degeneração testicular pode ser diagnosticada pela palpação do órgão, aferição do perímetro escrotal e pelo espermograma. No entanto, outras ferramentas podem ser empregadas para auxiliar no diagnóstico desta alteração, entre elas estão a termografia e a ultrassonografia. Desta forma, neste trabalho avaliou-se a eficiência do termógrafo e do ultrassom como instrumentos auxiliares para o diagnóstico da degeneração testicular em bovinos. Para o presente estudo utilizaram-se 16 touros da raça Nelore separados em dois grupos experimentais: Controle: animais sem indução à degeneração testicular (CON, n = 08); e Degeneração: animais induzidos à degeneração testicular (INS, n = 08) por meio de bolsas insuladoras mantidas por 96 horas. Os animais foram submetidos semanalmente a avaliações das características clínicas e seminais, realizando-se as análises duas semanas antes da insulação testicular (S-2 e S-1), no dia da retirada da bolsa (D0) e durante quatro semanas após a retirada da mesma (S+1 a S+4). Foram avaliadas frequência cardíaca (FC), frequência respiratória (FR) e temperatura retal (TR); avaliações testiculares: perímetro escrotal (PE), consistência testicular (CT), temperatura média da superfície escrotal (TMSE), ecotextura (ETT), ecogenicidade (EGT) e vascularização do parênquima testicular (EVT), vascularização (EVP) e índice de resistência vascular (RIP) do plexo pampiniforme. O sêmen dos touros foi colhido e avaliado considerando motilidade (MT), vigor (VG), morfologia (defeitos maiores, menores e totais), integridade das membranas plasmática e acrossomal e potencial de membrana mitocondrial (PIAIA). Para a análise estatística foi utilizado o Statistical Analysis Software (SAS 9.3). Os dados das avaliações realizadas em S-2 e S-1 foram submetidos ao procedimento MIXED considerando dois grupos (CON e INS). Os dados das avaliações realizadas após a insulação foram submetidos ao procedimento MIXED e adicionando o fator tempo por meio do comando REPEATED. O nível de significância considerado foi de P≤0,05, sendo considerada tendência quando este ficou entre 0,051 e 0,1. Foram realizadas correlações de Pearson, utilizando-se o programa StatView (SAS, 1999). Os grupos de touros foram semelhantes nas semanas pré-insulação. Nas semanas pós-insulação, notou-se interação entre tempo e tratamento para FR (p=0,04), CT (p=0,0003) e RIP (p=0,03) e tendência para EVT (p=0,08). Foram observados maiores valores para TMSE, ETT e EVT para INS do que para CON, mas menores valores de PE, CT, EVP e RIP para INS do que para CON. Além disso, encontrou-se interação entre tempo e tratamento para MT (p=0,01), defeitos morfológicos (p<0,001) e alto potencial mitocondrial (AP, p=0,01) e tendência para PIAIA (p=0,07). O grupo INS apresentou queda na MT, PIAIA e AP, associado com aumento nos defeitos morfológicos. Foram verificadas correlações entre as características ambientais (temperatura ambiente e umidade relativa do ar) e os termogramas. Os termogramas apresentaram correlações com parâmetros vitais e achados testiculares. A hemodinâmica apresentou correlações mais fracas com outras características testiculares. Concluiu-se que o estresse térmico testicular provoca um quadro de degeneração testicular, caracterizado por redução na CT e na MT, PIAIA, PI e AP, além de aumento de defeitos morfológicos espermáticos. Este quadro é acompanhado pelo aumento da TMSE somente no dia da retirada das bolsas, provoca heterogeneidade do parênquima testicular, aumenta a vascularização testicular, reduz a vascularização do plexo pampiniforme e o RI dos vasos do plexo pampiniforme. Desta forma, a termografia e a ultrassonografia testiculares contribuem para o diagnóstico da degeneração testicular em touros. / Heat stress in bulls is a very important factor because it adversely affects the reproductive behavior and reduces the reproductive efficiency. One of the causes of this adverse effect is the inefficiency of testicular thermoregulation, which leads to increased cellular metabolism, causing oxidative stress and apoptosis of germ cells, which characterizes testicular degeneration, which can lead to infertility or even to animal sterility. Testicular degeneration can be diagnosed by palpation of the testicles, scrotal perimeter and sperm analyses. However, other tools can be used to aid in the diagnosis of this alteration, such as thermography and ultrasonography. Thus, this study evaluated the effectiveness of thermography and ultrasound as auxiliary tools in the diagnosis of testicular degeneration in cattle. For the present study, 16 Nelore bulls were divided in two experimental groups: Control: animals without induction to testicular degeneration (CON, n = 08); and Degeneration: animals induced to testicular degeneration (INS, n = 08) through insulation bags, maintained for 96 hours. Animals underwent weekly evaluations of clinical and seminal characteristics, performed assessments two weeks prior to testicular insulation (S-2 and S-1), on the day of the removal of the bag (D0) and during four week after removal of the bag (S+1 to S+4). The following were evaluated: heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR) and rectal temperature (RT); testicular evaluations: scrotal circumference (SC), testicular consistency (TC), mean temperature of the scrotal surface (MTSS), echotexture (ETT), echogenicity (EGT), vascularization of testicular parenchyma (VTP), vascularization of the pampiniform plexus (VPP) and resistance index (RI). The semen of the bulls was collected and evaluated considering motility (MT), vigor (VG), morphology (major, minor and total defects), plasma and acrosomal membrane integrity and mitochondrial membrane potential (PIAIA). Statistical analysis was performed using Statistical Analysis Software (SAS 9.3). Data from the S-2 and S-1 evaluations were submitted to the MIXED procedure considering two groups (CON and INS). Data from the evaluations performed after the insulation were submitted to the MIXED procedure adding the time factor through the REPEATED command. The significance level considered was P≤0,05, being considered a trend when it was between 0,051 and 0,1. Pearson correlations were performed using the StatView program (SAS, 1999). The groups were similar in the pre-insulation period. In the post-insulation weeks, it was noted the interaction between time and treatment for RR (p = 0.04), TC (p = 0.0003) and RI (p = 0.03) and a tendency to VTP (p = 0, 08). Greater values were observed for MTSS, ETT and VTP for INS than for CON, but lower values of SC, TC, VPP and RI for INS than for CON. In addition, there was interaction between time and treatment for MT (p = 0.01), morphological defects (p <0.001) and high mitochondrial potential (HMP, p = 0.01) and tendency for PIAIA (p = 0, 07). The INS group presented decrease in MT, PIAIA and HMP, associated with increase in morphological defects. Correlations were found between the environmental characteristics (temperature and relative humidity) and thermograms. The thermograms presented correlations with vital parameters and testicular findings. Hemodynamics showed weaker correlations with other testicular characteristics. In conclusion, testicular heat stress causes a testicular degeneration, characterized by reduction in TC and MT, PIAIA, PI and HMP, in addition to an increase in spermatic morphological defects. This situation, accompanied by the increase in MTSS only on the day of the removal of the bags, causes testicular parenchyma heterogeneity, increases testicular vascularization, reduces pampiniform plexus vascularization and RI of pampiniform plexus vessels. Thus, testicular thermography and ultrasonography contribute to the diagnosis of testicular degeneration in bulls.

A degeneração testicular (DT) possui grande relevância dentre os distúrbios da reprodução e pode ser causada pelo aumento da temperatura testicular. Este provoca aumento do metabolismo celular, levando ao estresse oxidativo (EO) e apoptose. O tratamento usual consiste na retirada do agente causador e administração de antioxidantes; entretanto, pode não ser eficiente. Dessa forma, o presente estudo preconizou o tratamento da DT por meio de agentes com poder proliferativo: vitamina A e laserterapia de baixa intensidade (LTBI). Foram realizados três experimentos; o experimento 1 objetivou definir a dose de energia da LTBI necessária para a bioestimulação testicular. Foram utilizados seis carneiros distribuídos em três grupos: GC) insulação escrotal (IE) e sem tratamento (n=2); G28) IE e tratado com LTBI com 808 nm de comprimento de onda, 30 mW de potência e 28 J/cm² de densidade de energia por 15 dias a cada 48 horas (n=2); G56) IE e tratado com LTBI com 808 nm, 30 mW e 56 J/cm² por 15 dias a cada 48 horas (n=2). Foram feitas análises clínicas, reprodutivas e histopatológicas. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância (ANOVA) e teste de Tukey. Apesar da LTBI diminuir as taxas de espermatozoides com membrana acrossomal íntegra, esta foi eficiente em aumentar a população celular dos túbulos seminíferos no G28. Portanto, a LBTI provocou efeito bioestimulatório em testículos degenerados de carneiros. O experimento 2 objetivou validar a técnica de avaliação do EO espermático por meio da sonda fluorescente CellROX Deep Red®. Foram realizados dois experimentos; o primeiro utilizou ejaculados de três carneiros tratados em T0 (ejaculado não submetido à indução de EO), T50 (50% não induzido e 50% induzido ao EO) e T100 (submetido ao EO). Os dados foram submetidos à regressão linear. No segundo experimento foram utilizados 16 carneiros submetidos à IE. Foram feitas avaliações do EO antes e após a IE. Os dados foram submetidos à ANOVA e teste LSD de Fisher. O coeficiente de determinação foi de 0,728 e houve aumento do EO após a IE. Assim, a sonda CellROX® foi capaz de detectar o EO espermático. No experimento 3 foi proposto tratamento para a DT baseado na suplementação vitamínica ou LTBI. Foram utilizados 33 carneiros distribuídos em seis grupos: CC) sem IE e sem tratamento (n=5); CA) sem IE e tratado com vitamina A IM 120.000 UI/animal, duas vezes por semana durante três semanas (n=6); CL) sem IE e tratado com LTBI protocolo G28 (experimento 1) (n=5); IC) IE e sem tratamento (n = 5); IA) IE e tratado com vitamina A IM 120.000 UI/animal, duas vezes por semana durante três semanas (n=6); IL) IE e tratado com LTBI protocolo G28 (n=6). Foram realizadas análises clínicas, reprodutivas, hormonais e histopatológicas. Os dados foram analisados usando o procedimento de modelos mistos e os efeitos dos tratamentos foram avaliados utilizando contrastes ortogonais. Não houve efeito benéfico dos tratamentos para as características ultrassonográficas, qualidade espermática, concentração de testosterona e aspectos histopatológicos. Assim, os tratamentos não foram eficientes para melhorar a qualidade espermática nem promover a proliferação celular. / The testicular degeneration (TD) has great significance among the reproductive disorders and one of the main causes is the increase in testicular temperature. High testicular temperature results in increase cellular metabolism, leading to oxidative stress and apoptosis. The treatment consists in removing the causative agent and administration of antioxidants; however, it could be not efficient. The objective of this study is to recommend the treatment of TD by administering agents with proliferative action: vitamin A and low level laser therapy (LLLT). For this, three experiments were conducted. In experiment 1 the objective was to define the dose of energy for LLLT testicular biostimulation; it was used six rams distributed in three groups: GC) scrotal insulation (SI) and untreated (n=2); G28) SI and treated with LLLT with 808 nm, 30 mW and 28 J/cm ² of power density for 15 days every 48 hours (n=2); G56) SI and treated with LLLT with 808 nm, 30 mW and 56 J/cm² for 15 days every 48 hours (n=2). Clinics, reproductive and histopathological analyzes were done. Data were subjected to analysis of variance and Tukey test. The rates of sperm with intact acrosome membrane were decreased by LLLT, but the LLLT was effective in increasing the cell population of the seminiferous tubules in the G28. Thus, LLLT was able of causing stimulatory effect in degenerate testis of rams. The objective of experiment 2 was to assess the technique of evaluation of sperm oxidative stress (OS). This study was divided in two experiments; in experiment 1 was used ejaculates of three rams treated in T0 (ejaculate that was not submitted to OS induction), T50 (50% without OS and 50% inducted to OS) and T100 (entire submitted to OS induction). Data obtained were evaluated by linear regression analysis. In experiment 2, sixteen rams were submitted to SI. Analyses of OS were done before and after the SI. Data obtained were evaluated by analysis of variance and Fisher\'s LSD test. The determination coefficient was of 0.728 and there were increase in sperm showing OS after SI period. Thus, CellROX® fluorescent probe was able to detect sperm OS. The objective of experiment 3 was establish a treatment for TD based on vitamin A supplementation or LLLT; 33 rams were distributed in six groups: CC) no SI and non-treated (n=5); CA) no SI and treated with 120,000 IU/animal of IM vitamin A, twice a week for three weeks (n=6); CL) no SI and treated with LLLT G28 protocol (experiment 1) (n=5); IC) SI and untreated (n=5); IA) SI and treated with 120,000 IU/animal of IM vitamin A, twice a week for three weeks (n=6); IL) SI and treated with LLLT G28 protocol (n=6). Clinics, reproductive, hormonal and histopathological analyzes were performed. Data were analyzed using the mixed models procedure and treatments effects were evaluated using orthogonal contrasts. There was no beneficial effect of treatments for ultrasonographic characteristics, sperm quality, testosterone concentration and histopathological aspects. Thus, the treatments were not effective for improving sperm quality or promoting cell proliferation.

O estresse térmico em touros é um fator muito importante, pois afeta negativamente o comportamento reprodutivo e diminui a eficiência reprodutiva. Uma das causas deste efeito adverso é a ineficiência da termorregulação testicular, que conduz ao aumento do metabolismo celular, causando estresse oxidativo e apoptose das células germinativas, o que caracteriza a degeneração testicular, que pode levar à infertilidade, ou mesmo à esterilidade do animal. A degeneração testicular pode ser diagnosticada pela palpação do órgão, aferição do perímetro escrotal e pelo espermograma. No entanto, outras ferramentas podem ser empregadas para auxiliar no diagnóstico desta alteração, entre elas estão a termografia e a ultrassonografia. Desta forma, neste trabalho avaliou-se a eficiência do termógrafo e do ultrassom como instrumentos auxiliares para o diagnóstico da degeneração testicular em bovinos. Para o presente estudo utilizaram-se 16 touros da raça Nelore separados em dois grupos experimentais: Controle: animais sem indução à degeneração testicular (CON, n = 08); e Degeneração: animais induzidos à degeneração testicular (INS, n = 08) por meio de bolsas insuladoras mantidas por 96 horas. Os animais foram submetidos semanalmente a avaliações das características clínicas e seminais, realizando-se as análises duas semanas antes da insulação testicular (S-2 e S-1), no dia da retirada da bolsa (D0) e durante quatro semanas após a retirada da mesma (S+1 a S+4). Foram avaliadas frequência cardíaca (FC), frequência respiratória (FR) e temperatura retal (TR); avaliações testiculares: perímetro escrotal (PE), consistência testicular (CT), temperatura média da superfície escrotal (TMSE), ecotextura (ETT), ecogenicidade (EGT) e vascularização do parênquima testicular (EVT), vascularização (EVP) e índice de resistência vascular (RIP) do plexo pampiniforme. O sêmen dos touros foi colhido e avaliado considerando motilidade (MT), vigor (VG), morfologia (defeitos maiores, menores e totais), integridade das membranas plasmática e acrossomal e potencial de membrana mitocondrial (PIAIA). Para a análise estatística foi utilizado o Statistical Analysis Software (SAS 9.3). Os dados das avaliações realizadas em S-2 e S-1 foram submetidos ao procedimento MIXED considerando dois grupos (CON e INS). Os dados das avaliações realizadas após a insulação foram submetidos ao procedimento MIXED e adicionando o fator tempo por meio do comando REPEATED. O nível de significância considerado foi de P≤0,05, sendo considerada tendência quando este ficou entre 0,051 e 0,1. Foram realizadas correlações de Pearson, utilizando-se o programa StatView (SAS, 1999). Os grupos de touros foram semelhantes nas semanas pré-insulação. Nas semanas pós-insulação, notou-se interação entre tempo e tratamento para FR (p=0,04), CT (p=0,0003) e RIP (p=0,03) e tendência para EVT (p=0,08). Foram observados maiores valores para TMSE, ETT e EVT para INS do que para CON, mas menores valores de PE, CT, EVP e RIP para INS do que para CON. Além disso, encontrou-se interação entre tempo e tratamento para MT (p=0,01), defeitos morfológicos (p<0,001) e alto potencial mitocondrial (AP, p=0,01) e tendência para PIAIA (p=0,07). O grupo INS apresentou queda na MT, PIAIA e AP, associado com aumento nos defeitos morfológicos. Foram verificadas correlações entre as características ambientais (temperatura ambiente e umidade relativa do ar) e os termogramas. Os termogramas apresentaram correlações com parâmetros vitais e achados testiculares. A hemodinâmica apresentou correlações mais fracas com outras características testiculares. Concluiu-se que o estresse térmico testicular provoca um quadro de degeneração testicular, caracterizado por redução na CT e na MT, PIAIA, PI e AP, além de aumento de defeitos morfológicos espermáticos. Este quadro é acompanhado pelo aumento da TMSE somente no dia da retirada das bolsas, provoca heterogeneidade do parênquima testicular, aumenta a vascularização testicular, reduz a vascularização do plexo pampiniforme e o RI dos vasos do plexo pampiniforme. Desta forma, a termografia e a ultrassonografia testiculares contribuem para o diagnóstico da degeneração testicular em touros. / Heat stress in bulls is a very important factor because it adversely affects the reproductive behavior and reduces the reproductive efficiency. One of the causes of this adverse effect is the inefficiency of testicular thermoregulation, which leads to increased cellular metabolism, causing oxidative stress and apoptosis of germ cells, which characterizes testicular degeneration, which can lead to infertility or even to animal sterility. Testicular degeneration can be diagnosed by palpation of the testicles, scrotal perimeter and sperm analyses. However, other tools can be used to aid in the diagnosis of this alteration, such as thermography and ultrasonography. Thus, this study evaluated the effectiveness of thermography and ultrasound as auxiliary tools in the diagnosis of testicular degeneration in cattle. For the present study, 16 Nelore bulls were divided in two experimental groups: Control: animals without induction to testicular degeneration (CON, n = 08); and Degeneration: animals induced to testicular degeneration (INS, n = 08) through insulation bags, maintained for 96 hours. Animals underwent weekly evaluations of clinical and seminal characteristics, performed assessments two weeks prior to testicular insulation (S-2 and S-1), on the day of the removal of the bag (D0) and during four week after removal of the bag (S+1 to S+4). The following were evaluated: heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR) and rectal temperature (RT); testicular evaluations: scrotal circumference (SC), testicular consistency (TC), mean temperature of the scrotal surface (MTSS), echotexture (ETT), echogenicity (EGT), vascularization of testicular parenchyma (VTP), vascularization of the pampiniform plexus (VPP) and resistance index (RI). The semen of the bulls was collected and evaluated considering motility (MT), vigor (VG), morphology (major, minor and total defects), plasma and acrosomal membrane integrity and mitochondrial membrane potential (PIAIA). Statistical analysis was performed using Statistical Analysis Software (SAS 9.3). Data from the S-2 and S-1 evaluations were submitted to the MIXED procedure considering two groups (CON and INS). Data from the evaluations performed after the insulation were submitted to the MIXED procedure adding the time factor through the REPEATED command. The significance level considered was P≤0,05, being considered a trend when it was between 0,051 and 0,1. Pearson correlations were performed using the StatView program (SAS, 1999). The groups were similar in the pre-insulation period. In the post-insulation weeks, it was noted the interaction between time and treatment for RR (p = 0.04), TC (p = 0.0003) and RI (p = 0.03) and a tendency to VTP (p = 0, 08). Greater values were observed for MTSS, ETT and VTP for INS than for CON, but lower values of SC, TC, VPP and RI for INS than for CON. In addition, there was interaction between time and treatment for MT (p = 0.01), morphological defects (p <0.001) and high mitochondrial potential (HMP, p = 0.01) and tendency for PIAIA (p = 0, 07). The INS group presented decrease in MT, PIAIA and HMP, associated with increase in morphological defects. Correlations were found between the environmental characteristics (temperature and relative humidity) and thermograms. The thermograms presented correlations with vital parameters and testicular findings. Hemodynamics showed weaker correlations with other testicular characteristics. In conclusion, testicular heat stress causes a testicular degeneration, characterized by reduction in TC and MT, PIAIA, PI and HMP, in addition to an increase in spermatic morphological defects. This situation, accompanied by the increase in MTSS only on the day of the removal of the bags, causes testicular parenchyma heterogeneity, increases testicular vascularization, reduces pampiniform plexus vascularization and RI of pampiniform plexus vessels. Thus, testicular thermography and ultrasonography contribute to the diagnosis of testicular degeneration in bulls.

ABBREVIATIONS ASS antegrade scrotal sclerotherapy Endo general anesthesia Loc local anesthesia LV laparoscopic varicocelectomy ns not significant RS retrograde sclerotherapy SD standard deviation SEVA spermatico-epigastric venous anastamosis Δ difference between value INTRODUCTION Varicocele is an enlargement of the veins of the spermatic cord, which may cause infertility of men and pain in the testicle. This disease is cured in various interventional and surgical ways of treatment. Open surgeries according to Palomo and Ivanisevic are considered to be a classical way of treatment of varicocele. However, during two recent decades open surgeries are performed less in relation to wound infections that make 5.8% (Zuckerman et al. 1994) and a rather big number (16%) of recurrence of a disease (Rothman et al. 1981, Cayan et al. 2000, Kass et al. 2001). More simple and minimally invasive ways of treatment of varicocele are being searched. Retrograde sclerotherapy of the veins of the spermatic cord (RS) or embolization is an easier procedure and patients spend less time in hospital. However, these interventions are not available to perform in 15-30% of all cases (Porst et al. 1984, Okuyama et al. 1988, Winkelbauer et al. 1994, Abdulmaaboud et al. 1998), and the frequency of recurrence makes 10-15% (Lenk et al. 1994, Punekar et al. 1996). After the introduction of microsurgical equipment, the veins of the spermatic cord are ligated using... [to full text]