bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cryopreservation of Mammalian Sperm: What We Ask Them to Survive
Authors: HAMMERSTEDT ROY H. , GRAHAM JAMES K. , NOLAN JOHN P.
Published: October 2023

Techniques for freezing bull sperm developed over the past 40 years have not yielded protocols for preserving sperm from other species. Recent advances in our understanding of cell membrane structure function and metabolism now permit alternative modes of investigation. These data will allow development of unique studies which should have a higher probability of yielding successful protocols for sperm from other species. In this review the authors will: (1) provide a general overview of cryopreservation; (2) review emerging concepts of membrane structure and the relationship of membrane composition to water and cryoprotectant movement; (3) emphasize how these parameters affect cell volume and surface areas; (4) focus attention on the concept that cryoprotectants will alter membrane structure and function in addition to their well‐recognized effects on bulk solvent; and (5) emphasize the effect of the processing protocol on metabolic balance. These concepts are reintroduced in the context of the established and successful protocol for freezing bull sperm to illustrate the molecular responses that may be necessary to survive a freeze‐thaw cycle.
Design of Experiments for Evaluating Frozen Sperm
Authors: ROSENBERGER JAMES L.
Published: October 2023

This paper describes the difficulties encountered in evaluating frozen sperm in both animal and human experiments, and discusses the principles of experimental design used to overcome them. Issues influencing the validity of results include randomization strategies and blindness. Issues which bear on the efficiency of design include stratification, pairing and blocking, multifactor designs, and use of covariates. Fundamental questions concerning the impact of study size and negative results are discussed. One approach to combining the results of many small studies, meta‐analysis, is presented.
Sialylglycoconjugates Release During In Vitro Capacitation of Human Spermatozoa
Authors: FOCARELLI RICCARDO , ROSATI FLORIANA , TERRANA BENEDETTO
Published: October 2023

Modifications of the human sperm surface during incubation in capacitating conditions were studied by radiolabeling terminal sialic acid residues of cell surface glycoconjugates using the sodium metaperiodate/sodium tritiated borohydride method. During in vitro capacitation, sialylglycoconjugates were released from the human sperm surface according to well reproducible kinetics. This release could be inhibited by the presence of seminal plasma in the capacitation buffer. Two principal size classes of sialylglycoconjugates were detected in the capacitation medium and analyzed by gel filtration chromatography and SDS‐PAGE. The smaller class was characterized by glycopeptides less than 5,000 Da, whereas the larger class was characterized by two sialylglycoproteins of approximately 15,000–16,000 and 22,000–23,000 Mr. The role of human albumin, a key component of the capacitation buffer, in the removal of these molecules from the sperm surface was studied in light of its constant association with large amounts of released material.
Experimental Cryptorchidism Protects Against Long‐Term, 5‐Hexanedione‐Induced Testicular Germ Cell Loss in the Rat
Authors: BOEKELHEIDE KIM , EVELETH JULIA , HALL SUSAN J.
Published: October 2023

Male infertility is a common side effect of aggressive cancer chemotherapy. One possible approach to decreasing gonadal injury in this setting is the production of artificial cryptorchidism (elevating the testes into the inguinal canal) to produce reversible germ cell loss and cytoprotective hemodynamic changes in the testes. This approach to preserving male germ cell production was explored in a rat model combining experimental cryptorchidism and 2,5‐hexanedione intoxication. Rats were protected from irreversible germ cell loss produced by 2,5‐hexanedione only when the testes were cryptorchid during the time of intoxication. Sham‐operated rats and rats made cryptorchid following intoxication were not protected from 2,5‐hexanedione‐induced testicular germ cell loss. Decreased delivery of the toxic agent to the cryptorchid testis is the likely explanation of the protective effect.
Teratospermic and Normospermic Domestic Cats: Ejaculate Traits, Pituitary—Gonadal Hormones, and Improvement of Spermatozoal Motility and Morphology After Swim‐Up Processing
Authors: HOWARD JO GAYLE , BROWN JANINE L. , BUSH MITCHELL , WILDT DAVID E.
Published: October 2023

Electroejaculate traits, testicular volume, and circulating FSH, LH, and testosterone concentrations were compared between two populations of domestic cats consistently producing either a high (> 60%, normospermic) or low (< 40%, teratospermic) incidence of structurally normal spermatozoa/ejaculate. The effects of semen dilution in Biggers, Whitten, and Whittingham (BWW) or modified Krebs Ringer bicarbonate (mKRB) medium and swim‐up processing on sperm viability and duration of motility in vitro also were assessed. Ejaculate volume, percent sperm motility, sperm progressive motility, motile spermatozoa/ejaculate, testes volume, and mean serum FSH and LH concentrations were similar (P > 0.05) between normospermic and teratospermic cats. However, sperm concentration/ml of ejaculate was greater and circulating testosterone levels were lower in teratospermic males. Swim‐up processing increased (P < 0.05) percent sperm motility, progressive motility, and the number of structurally normal sperm cells recovered and also prolonged the duration of sperm motility in both cat populations. In teratospermic ejaculates, swim‐up separation increased the proportion of morphologically normal spermatozoa recovered by more than two‐fold. Diluting cat semen with either BWW or mKRB increased flagellar bending in both normospermic and teratospermic cats. The sperm motility characteristics of only the teratospermic ejaculates were influenced by medium type; mKRB increased percent sperm motility and progressive motility whereas BWW had no effect. Compared with undiluted raw ejaculates, the duration of sperm motility was improved 18‐ to 24‐fold by diluting semen in either BWW or mKRB medium followed by swim‐up processing. This study demonstrates that the electroejaculate characteristics of domestic cats vary markedly and that some males consistently produce high proportions of morphologically abnormal spermatozoa. Diminished serum testosterone concentrations and normal pituitary secretion of FSH and LH in teratospermic males suggest that there is an inverse relationship between gonadal androgen production and pleiomorphic spermatozoa in the domestic cat. The swim‐up procedure is effective for recovering motile, structurally normal spermatozoa from teratospermic cats.
A Study of the Effect of B‐EP and Naloxone on the Function of the Hypothalamo‐Pituitary‐Testicular Axis of the Rat
Authors: ZHOU ZHIFENG , XIAO BILIAN , ZHANG GUEIYUAN , ZHUANG LINZHI
Published: October 2023

To investigate whether endogenous opioid peptides (EOP) play an important role in intragonadal regulation of testicular function and regulation of the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐gonadal axis of the male rat, the authors employed two principal methods: culture of testicular Leydig cells and Sertoli cells, and in vitro perifusion of hypothalamo‐pituitary Leydig cells of the adult rat. The results demonstrated that incubation of Leydig cells with B‐endorphin (B‐EP 10−9 = 10−6 mol/L) or naloxone (NAL 10−5 = 10−8 mol/L) manifested no significant changes of non‐stimulated or hCG‐stimulated testosterone secretion both in 20 and 60 day‐old rats. Similar results were obtained when the cells were treated with B‐EP (10−10 = 10−7 mol/L) for 48 h during culture. Pretreatment of incubated Leydig cells with B‐EP in similar concentrations for 48 h showed no effect on the response to hCG stimulation. In addition, treatment with B‐EP in vitro for 24 or 72 h manifested no effects on estradiol production by aromatization of cultured Sertoli cells. Neither NAL 10−5 given in vitro nor NAL (5 mg/body weight) injected subcutaneously 1 h before decapitation affected LH and testosterone release from the perifused hypothalamo‐pituitary Leydig cells system. These results could not support the hypothesis that B‐EP is a local regulator of testicular function. The physiological significance of EOP in regulating the function of gonadal axis of adult male rat remains to be investigated further.
Solid‐Phase Indirect Immunogold Localization of Human Sperm Antigens Reacting with Antisperm Antibodies in Human Sera
Authors: SMITHWICK ELEANOR B. , YOUNG LEONA G.
Published: October 2023

A simple solid‐phase indirect immunogold assay for light microscopic localization of the binding of sperm‐reactive antibodies in human sera to surface‐associated antigenic sites on human sperm is described. Antigen‐antibody interaction is localized by using a gold‐tagged second antibody directed against the first antibody. Silver enhancement of the 5 nm gold particles makes the immunologic reaction visible by light microscopy. An ELISA was used to identify serum samples as positive or negative for sperm‐reactive antibodies. These serum samples were blind‐coded and were used to develop and to evaluate this solid‐phase indirect immunogold assay. When results obtained by this immunogold assay for the detection of sperm‐reactive antibodies were compared with those obtained by the ELISA, there was agreement in 82 of the 100 sera tested. As a localization assay, this indirect immunogold assay is simple to perform and enables stable, high resolution light microscopic localization of the pattern of antigenic sites on sperm surface membranes.
Intratesticular Arterial Anatomy
Authors: JAROW JONATHAN P.
Published: October 2023

The normal course of the testicular artery reveals a superficial position of the major end arteries beneath the tunica albuginea where they may be subject to damage during surgical procedures. The arterial supply of the human testis demonstrates considerable individual variation, unlike most animal species which are morphologically stable. The purpose of this study was to characterize the morphologic variation of the human testicular artery as it courses just beneath the tunica albuginea. The intragonadal course of the main testicular artery branches was plotted in 53 human testes injected with Batson's solution. The areas of the testis most likely to contain a major superficial arterial branch are the medial, anterior, and lateral surfaces of the lower pole. The areas of the testis least likely to contain a major arterial branch are the medial and lateral aspects of the upper pole.
Effect of Egg Yolk Medium on the Acrosome Reaction of Human Spermatozoa
Authors: BIELFELD P. , JEYENDRAN R.S. , HOLMGREN W.J. , ZANEVELD L.J.D.
Published: October 2023

Preincubation of human spermatozoa in an egg yolk medium (TESTY) at 5 C, followed by washing at 37 C by centrifugation and resuspension in a standard medium (BWW), enhanced the percentage of spermatozoa that underwent the acrosome reaction and increased sperm penetration into zona‐free hamster oocytes, as compared with BWW treatment only. The difference in the occurrence of the acrosome reaction between the two treatment protocols was present whether the spermatozoa were incubated for 3 or for 18 h. The increase in acrosome reaction occurred only when spermatozoa were washed after TESTY treatment. Washing at 5 C was not as effective as washing at 37 C. No increased loss of acrosomes was observed when BWW‐treated spermatozoa were subjected to the washing procedure. Ionophore A23187 stimulated the acrosome reaction of BWW‐treated but not of TESTY‐treated spermatozoa, whether or not they were washed before ionophore treatment. In the absence of egg yolk, the medium (TEST) caused only a small enhancement in the acrosome reaction as compared with BWW, but an increase occurred upon addition of ionophore A23187. We conclude that treatment with TESTY enhances the capacitation/acrosome reaction of human spermatozoa and that the removal of egg yolk after incubation, as well as the temperature shock, contribute to this effect.
Studies on Peroxisomes of the Adult Rat Leydig Cell
Authors: MENDIS‐HANDAGAMA S. M. L. CHAMINDRANI , ZIRKIN BARRY R. , SCALLEN TERRENCE J. , EWING LARRY L.
Published: October 2023

The aims of this study were to differentially identify peroxisomes and lysosomes in Leydig cells of the sexually mature rat using cytochemical techniques, to describe the size and shape of peroxisomal profiles, and to localize catalase and sterol carrier protein‐2 (SCP2) in Leydig cell peroxisomes. Peroxisome profiles, identified by cytochemical staining for catalase activity using 3,3′‐diaminobenzidine tetrahydrochloride (DAB) were categorized according to their longest diameter as small (less than 0.18 μm), intermediate (0.18–0.45 μm), and large (more than 0.45 μm); and according to their shape, which were designated as circular, oval, and dumbbell. Together these peroxisomal profiles occupied 11.2 μm3/Leydig cell. Lysosomes, identified in the same tissue sections as acid phosphatase positive organelles, occupied 12.9 μm3/Leydig cell. Negative bodies with morphology identical to cytochemically unstained peroxisomes also were detected. These organelles occupied 14.5 μm3/Leydig cell. Catalase was immunolocalized exclusively in Leydig cell peroxisomes using AuroProbe EM protein A G10 (ie, 10 nm gold particles). Sterol carrier protein‐2 was immunolocalized in Leydig cell peroxisomes by AuroProbe EM protein A G15 (ie, 15 nm gold particles). Immunolocalization of catalase and SCP2 using 10 nm and 15 nm gold particles in the same peroxisomes confirmed that Leydig cell peroxisomes contain SCP2. Taken together, these results show conclusively that adult rat Leydig cell peroxisomal profiles occur in different shapes and sizes, which suggests the existence of a network of peroxisomes, rather than peroxisomes occurring as separate isolated organelles. More importantly, the present study demonstrates for the first time that Leydig cell peroxisomes contain SCP2. The fact that Leydig cell peroxisomes contain SCP2, suggests that they may be involved in LH stimulated Leydig cell testosterone production.
Tissue and Species Specificity of Mouse Ductus Deferens Protein
Authors: TARAGNAT C. , BERGER M. , JEAN CL.
Published: October 2023

The ductus deferens of the mouse contains a major protein with a molecular weight of 34.5 kd called mouse vas deferens protein (MVDP). Immunofluorescence histochemistry and immunoblotting with monoclonal antibodies have been used to investigate the localization, tissue, and species distribution, androgen‐regulation, and developmental expression of this protein. Consistent positive immunoreaction was achieved in the ductus deferens epithelium, and immunofluorescence revealed that spermatozoa from the deferent duct were coated with MVDP. Western blot analysis showed the organ specificity of MVDP, which could not be detected in several organs in the mouse. Furthermore, MVDP appeared to be species specific since the proteins extracted from the ductus deferens of man, rat, guinea‐pig, rabbit, and hamster did not react with the anti‐MVDP probe. MVDP, whose expression is regulated by testosterone, was detectable at 20 days of age and its concentration increased rapidly from 20–30 days.
Negative Feedback Regulation of Pulsatile LH Secretion During Treatment with an LHRH Antagonist in Rams
Authors: LINCOLN GERALD A. , FRASER HAMISH M.
Published: October 2023

Suppression of LH and testosterone secretion in sexually active rams by the short‐term administration of an LHRH antagonist results in a compensatory increase in the release of LHRH from the hypothalamus. This is inferred from the observed increase in the frequency of LH pulses in peripheral blood during the period of recovery when the pituitary regains its responsiveness to LHRH. To investigate the nature of the inhibitory feedback signal which triggers this compensatory response, a single intravenous injection of 1 mg of an LHRH antagonist (28 μg/kg; N‐Ac‐D‐pCl‐Phe 1, D‐pCl‐Phe 2, D‐Trp 3, D‐hArg (Et 2) 6, D‐Ala 10, LHRH) was given to groups of intact, testosterone‐implanted castrated and castrated rams housed under stimulatory short days. Pulsatile LH secretion was monitored in blood samples collected every 10 min for 34 h. The treatment caused an immediate blockade of LH pulses in all three groups of rams followed by a progressive recovery of LH secretion from 12–30 h. Compared to the pretreatment period, intact rams showed a significant increase in frequency of LH pulses during the recovery period. Castrated rams did not show this increase, with or without supplementary testosterone. Since the circulating testosterone concentration decreased after the blockage of LH secretion in the intact rams, but not in the castrated or testosterone‐implanted castrated rams, we conclude that it is the reduction in the steroid negative feedback signal which leads to a compensatory increase in the activity of the LH pulse generator.
Identification and Characterization of a β‐Adrenergic Receptor in Hamster Sertoli Cells
Authors: SKINNER TAMARA J. , HEINDEL JERROLD J.
Published: October 2023

Sertoli cells cultured from immature hamsters contain a β‐adrenergic receptor which is coupled to the cAMP second messenger system. Thus, isoproterenol, epinephrine, and norepinephrine, which act via β‐adrenergic receptors, all stimulate cAMP accumulation in Sertoli cells cultured for 4–5 days. This cAMP response to isoproterenol is inhibited stereospecifically by the β‐receptor blocker, propranolol. It is also sensitive to inhibition by β‐adrenergic antagonists in this order of potency: nonspecific β receptor antagonists, propranolol, timolol, hydroxypindolol > β1 selective antagonists, oxyprenolol, metoprolol >>> β2 selective antagonist, butoxamine. Butoxamine was at least 1000‐fold less sensitive than either the nonspecific or the β1 selective antagonists at inhibiting the response of either isoproterenol (nonspecific), dobutamine (β1 selective) or zinterol (β2 selective). The hamster Sertoli cell β receptor is, therefore, predominantly of the B1 subtype. This β receptor mediated increase in cAMP is sensitive to homologous desensitization and is stimulated synergistically by forskolin. In addition, Seroli cells freshly isolated from immature hamsters contain an active β receptor. However, this β receptor mediated increase in cAMP is dependent on the type of trypsin used in the cell preparation. In agreement with Kierszenbaum et al (1985), freshly isolated Sertoli cells from immature rats never responded to the catecholamines regardless of the type of trypsin used; indicating an important physiologic difference between rat and hamster Sertoli cells.
DNA‐Flow Cytometry of Defined Stages of Rat Seminiferous Epithelium: Effects of 3 Gy of High‐Energy X‐Irradiation
Authors: KANGASNIEMI MARKO , VEROMAA TIMO , KULMALA JARMO , KAIPIA ANTTI , PARVINEN MARTTI , TOPPARI JORMA
Published: October 2023

Testes of adult Sprague‐Dawley rats were irradiated locally by 3 Gy of 4 MeV X‐rays produced by a linear accelerator. This type and dose of radiation gives an even distribution through the testis and selectively kills the proliferating spermatogonia. The seminiferous tubular cells were quantified by DNA flow cytometry at defined stages of the epithelial cycle at 7, 17, 22, 38, 52, and 80 days after irradiation. The flow cytometric technique was modified by using frozen instead of fresh samples. Freezing did not alter cell numbers when compared with fresh samples. At 7 days post‐irradiation no significant changes were observed in any cell population by DNA flow cytometry, whereas histological analysis revealed a reduction in intermediate and type B spermatogonia. At 17 and 22 days post‐irradiation, the number of cells at meiotic prophase (4C) was decreased, particularly in stages II–V of the cycle. In stages VII–VIII, cell numbers were 40 and 31%, and in stages IX–XIII, 24 and 43% of that in non‐irradiated controls at 17 and 22 days, respectively. At 38 days after irradiation, both 4C and 1C (haploid) cells were decreased in number. The 4C cells were reduced to 24, 17, and 13% of that in non‐irradiated controls in stages II–V, VII–VIII, and IX–XIII of the cycle, respectively. The corresponding numbers of 1C cells were 5, 17, and 4%. At 52 days after irradiation, 1C cells had declined to 38 and 19% of control values in stages II–V and IX–XIII, respectively. In stages II–V, 1C' cells (haploid cells with condensed nuclei) declined to 28% of controls at 52 days. The present data provide a quantitative basis for the use of X‐ray‐irradiated rat testes as a model system in experiments pursuing interactions between Sertoli cells and spermatogenic cells.
2,5‐Hexanedione Exposure in the Rat Results in Long‐Term Testicular Atrophy Despite the Presence of Residual Spermatogonia
Authors: BOEKELHEIDE KIM , HALL SUSAN J.
Published: October 2023

Charles River CD rats (approximate weight, 208 g) were exposed to 1.0% 2,5‐hexanedione (2,5‐HD) in drinking water for 5 weeks. Rats were killed 27, 60, and 75 weeks after exposure to evaluate the recovery potential following testicular injury. At 27 weeks, normal serum testosterone and significantly elevated serum luteinizing hormone and serum follicle‐stimulating hormone levels were found in treated rats. The 2,5‐HD—treated rats had low testicular and epididymal weights at all time points (28% and 72% of controls, respectively, at 75 weeks). Microscopically, there was a generalized loss of postspermatogonial germ cells at all time points, with no seminiferous tubules exhibiting normal spermatogenesis at 75 weeks. However, a relatively constant population of 3.1 to 3.7 spermatogonia/100 Sertoli cells was found in atrophic seminiferous tubules at all time points. The presence of a constant residual population of type A spermatogonia without a normal mass of more mature germ cells and the observed hormonal alterations suggest that 2,5‐HD intoxication produced a lengthy disruption in local testicular homeostatic mechanisms that control spermatogenesis.
Specific Regulatory Actions of Dihydrotestosterone and Estradiol on the Dynamics of FSH Secretion and Clearance in Humans
Authors: URBAN RANDALL J. , DAHL KRISTINE D. , PADMANABHAN VASANTHA , BEITINS INESE Z. , VELDHUIS JOHANNES D.
Published: October 2023

The authors investigated immunoactive and bioactive follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) secretion and clearance in six healthy young men during steady‐state infusions of vehicle (basal, B, 28 hours), dihydrotestosterone (DHT, 4.5 days), or estradiol (4.5 days) accompanied by blood sampling at 10‐minute intervals for 28 hours. Serum FSH concentrations were assayed by a two‐site immunoradiometric assay (IRMA) and two separate in vitro bioassays (rat granulosa and Sertoli cell systems). FSH measurements included: 24‐hour mean serum concentrations (IRMA and bioassay), multiple‐parameter deconvolution of 24‐hour pulsatile FSH time series and FSH release in response to exogenous gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) boluses (IRMA) to assess secretion and clearance, and circadian serum FSH concentration rhythms by cosinor analysis (IRMA). We found: 1) a significant decrease in 24‐hour mean IRMA FSH concentrations during DHT infusion while both in vitro estimates of FSH bioactivity were unchanged; 2) significant decreases in the mass of IRMA FSH secreted per 24 hours during DHT infusion; 3) significant decreases in the IRMA FSH half‐life during estradiol infusion without any change in FSH interpulse interval; 4) no steroidal effects on FSH secretory responses to exogenous GnRH; and 5) abolition of basal circadian FSH rhythms during sex‐steroid infusions. Based on these findings, we conclude that steady‐state sex‐steroid hormone infusions selectively alter IRMA FSH secretion and clearance without affecting IRMA FSH pulse frequency or mean concentrations of bioactive FSH.
Effect of Phorbol Diesters, Synthetic Diacylglycerols, and a Protein Kinase C Inhibitor on the Human Sperm Acrosome Reaction
Authors: de JONGE CHRISTOPHER J. , HAN HUI‐LING , MACK STEPHEN R. , ZANEVELD LOURENS J. D.
Published: October 2023

The acrosome reaction of spermatozoa may be analogous to various somatic cell exocytotic events that incorporate cascade reactions. One such cascade system involves the hydrolysis of a membrane‐bound phospholipid; generation of the intracellular second messenger, diacylglycerol; and activation of protein kinase C, followed by the phosphorylation of a number of intracellular proteins. Stimulators of protein kinase C, phorbol diesters and synthetic diacylglycerols, were evaluated to determine if this system functions in the human sperm acrosome reaction. Phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate and 4β‐phorbol 12,13‐didecanoate caused a significant (P < 0.01) increase in the acrosome reaction of capacitated spermatozoa. Conversely, an inactive phorbol diester had no significant (P > 0.05) stimulatory effect on the acrosome reaction. The synthetic diacylglycerols, 1‐oleoyl‐2‐acetyl‐sn‐glycerol, 1,2‐dioctanoyl‐sn‐glycerol, and 1,2‐dioleoyl‐sn‐glycerol caused a significant (P < 0.01) increase in the acrosome reaction of capacitated spermatozoa, and to a similar extent as the phorbol diesters. A nonactivating isomer of 1,2‐dioleoyl‐sn‐glycerol, 1,3‐diolein, had no significant (P < 0.05) stimulatory effect on the acrosome reaction. Protein kinase C activation is a diacylglycerol‐dependent and Ca2+‐dependent process, and stimulation of the acrosome reaction by 1,2‐dioctanoyl‐sn‐glycerol required the presence of calcium ions in the capacitation medium. An inhibitor of protein kinase C, 1‐(5‐isoquinolinylsulfonyl)‐2‐methylplperazine (H‐7), prevented the diacylglycerol‐induced acrosome reaction (P < 0.01). These results support the hypothesis that protein kinase C, via activation by the intracellular second messenger diacylglycerol, has a role in the human sperm acrosome reaction.
Ontogeny of 3[β‐Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase/Δ5–Δ4 Isomerase (3β‐HSD) in Human Testis as Studied by Immunocytochemistry
Authors: DUPONT ERIC , LUU‐THE VAN , LABRIE FERNAND , PELLETIER GEORGES
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: The enzyme complex 3β‐hydroxy‐5‐ene‐steroid dehydrogenase/Δ5–Δ4 isomerase (3β‐HSD) is involved in the biosynthesis of all classes of active steroids, including androgens. To correlate possible changes in 3β‐HSD with the well‐known variations in testosterone secretion during development, the authors localized this enzyme by immunocytochemistry during fetal and postnatal periods of development in the human testis. In the fetal testis, 3β‐HSD was detected in Leydig cells during the second and third trimester of gestation. In 8‐month‐old and 11‐year‐old boys, however, no immunoreaction could be detected in the testis. In pubertal boys, Leydig cells appeared well developed and immunopositive. Since the fluctuations in 3β‐HSD immunoreactivity are similar to those already observed for androgen secretion, activation of 3β‐HSD by trophic hormones may play an important role in androgen production during fetal and postnatal development.
The Application of Pentoxifylline in the Stimulation of Sperm Motion in Men Undergoing Electroejaculation
Authors: SIKKA SURESH C. , HELLSTROM WAYNE J. G.
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: The ability of pentoxifylline to stimulate the motion characteristics of antegrade and retrograde sperm collected at the time of electroejaculation with a rectal probe was assessed in six neurologically impaired men. Before electroejaculation, the bladder was rinsed and instilled with 20 to 30 ml Ham's F‐10 medium. Washed sperm were incubated with various doses (0, 0.1, 1, and 3 mmol/L) of pentoxifylline. Video sequences were recorded at intervals from 0 to 4.5 hours and analyzed for sperm motion parameters using manual and computer‐assisted semen analysis. The results were compared with equimolar concentrations of caffeine. Both pentoxifylline and caffeine demonstrated a dose‐dependent stimulation of percent motility and other motion parameters. A maximal stimulation of two‐fold to three‐fold for both percent motility and curvilinear velocity, and 30% to 60% for straight line velocity was observed after incubation under these conditions. A significant increase in mean linearity was observed in samples incubated with 0.1 mmol/L pentoxifylline at 1.5 hours. Significant lateral head displacement was not observed at any time point. Two couples underwent gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT) in conjunction with this electroejaculation sperm stimulation procedure, and one has since delivered a normal child. These studies show that pentoxifylline stimulation can improve the movement characteristics of asthenospermic sperm from neurologically impaired men. Such sperm stimulation techniques do not affect the fertilization process and may improve the chances for conception in some cases of male‐factor infertility.
Separation of Cryopreserved Human Semen Using Sephadex Columns, Washing, or Percoll Gradients
Authors: DROBNIS ERMA Z. , ZHONG CHANG Q. , OVERSTREET JAMES W.
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: The following methods were evaluated for their ability to separate motile cryopreserved sperm from semen after thawing: single washing, Percoll separation followed by a single washing, and Sephadex column separation. For Sephadex separation, washing, and Percoll separation, percent recovery of motile sperm was 65%, 76%, and 28%, and motility was 81%, 39%, and 60%, respectively. Percoll separation and washing were the best methods for removing seminal constituents, but sperm velocity and linearity were lower after Percoll separation and washing than after Sephadex separation. During 3 hours of incubation, there was an additional decrease in the motility, viability (exclusion of supravital dye), velocity, linearity, and intact acrosomes of Percoll‐separated sperm, indicating that Percoll separation may not be suitable for cryopreserved sperm. Motile, washed sperm also had lower velocities and higher spontaneous acrosome reactions than Sephadex‐separated sperm, but velocity and linearity were maintained during incubation. When semen was separated with Sephadex followed by washing, motility was well maintained (84%). The Sephadex method is a promising technique for selecting and concentrating motile cryopreserved sperm.
S‐Adenosyl‐L‐Methionine Decarboxylase Activity in the Rat Epididymis: Ontogeny and Androgenic Control
Authors: HERAS MARCELO A. DE LAS , CALANDRA RICARDO S.
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: The authors describe the occurrence of high levels of S‐adenosyl‐L‐methionine decarboxylase (SAMDC) activity in the rat epididymis, and its ontogeny and androgenic control. As early as 15 days of age, SAMDC activity exists, although a peak of activity is observed at 25 days. Bilateral orchidectomy resulted in a decline of epididymal SAMDC activity. However, an androgen‐independent fraction, accounting for 34% of total activity, appears to exist in the epididymis. In 45‐day‐old orchidectomized rats, SAMDC activity was stimulated by testosterone treatment in a dose‐dependent manner. However, treatment of 45‐day‐old intact animals with a high dose of the androgen failed to modify SAMDC activity, indicating that, at this age, the enzyme is maximally stimulated by endogenous androgens. The observed effect of testosterone on castrated rats was completely abolished by concomitant treatment with the antiandrogen flutamide. This compound was ineffective on the androgen‐insensitive fraction. To assess the contribution of circulating and luminal androgens to the maintenance of epididymal SAMDC, rats were unilaterally orchidectomized and activity was determined in both epididymides after 7 days. The SAMDC activity was identical in epididymides from both sides, suggesting that circulating androgens suffice to maintain normal levels of activity. It was concluded that androgens regulate epididymal SAMDC activity, although an androgen‐independent fraction appears to exist.
Naringin corrects renal failure related to Lesch‐Nyhan disease in a rat model via NOS–cAMP–PKA and BDNF/TrkB pathways
Authors: Akintunde Jacob K. , Falomo Idowu M. , Akinbohun Oreoluwa M. , Erinoso S. O. , Ugwor Emmanuel , Folayan Adeniyi D. , Ateate A. D.
Published: October 2023

This study explored the effect of naringin (NAR) on HGPRT1 deficiency and hyperuricemia through NOS–cAMP–PKA and BDNF/TrkB signaling pathways induced by caffeine (CAF) and KBrO3 in a rat model. Sixty‐three adult male albino rats were randomly assigned into nine (n = 7) groups. Group I: control animals, Group II was treated with 100 mg/kg KBrO3, Group III was treated with 250 mg/kg CAF, Group IV was treated with 100 mg/kg KBrO3 + 250 mg/kg CAF, Group V was administered with 100 mg/kg KBrO3 + 100 mg/kg haloperidol, Group VI was administered with 100 mg/kg KBrO3 + 50 mg/kg NAR, Group VII was administered with 500 mg/kg CAF + 50 mg/kg NAR, and Group VIII was administered with 100 mg/kg KBrO3 + 250 mg/kg CAF + 50 mg/kg NAR. Finally, group IX was treated with 50 mg/kg NAR. The exposure of rats to KBrO3 and CAF for 21 days induced renal dysfunction linked with Lesch‐Nyhan disease. NAR obliterated renal dysfunction linked with Lesch‐Nyhan disease by decreasing uric acid, renal malondialdehyde level, inhibiting the activities of arginase, and phosphodiesterase‐51 (PDE‐51) with corresponding upregulation of brain derived‐neurotrophic factor and its receptor (BDNF‐TrkB), Bcl11b, HGPRT1, and DARPP‐32. Additionally, renal failure related to Lesch‐Nyhan disease was remarkably corrected by NAR as shown by the reduced activities of AChE and enzymes of ATP hydrolysis (ATPase, AMPase, and ADA) with affiliated increase in the NO level. This study therefore validates NAR as nontoxic and effective chemotherapy against kidney‐related Lesch‐Nyhan disease by mitigating effects of toxic food additives and enzymes of ATP‐hydrolysis via NOS–cAMP–PKA and BDNF/TrkB signaling pathways.
Kaiser agrees to historic settlement to overhaul its BH care system
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: October 2023

After more than a decade of complaints and multiple strikes by Kaiser Permanente therapists over the need for timely access to care and ways to address severe understaffing, all while enduring constant negotiations over the bargaining table, the largest health care service plan in California has agreed to a $200 million settlement to make significant changes to the plan's delivery of behavioral health care services.
State's growth in community benefits indicates focus on social determinants
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: October 2023

A contribution of more than $1 billion by Massachusetts' nonprofit hospitals and health maintenance organizations (HMOs) in ‘Community Benefits’ expenditures illustrates the progress that mental health and other health care providers are making in addressing social determinants of health in their communities.
Kennedy Forum, MH groups submit federal parity comments
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: October 2023

The Kennedy Forum last week submitted comments from the public on the Department of Health and Human Services', the Employee Benefits Security Administration's, and the Internal Revenue Service's (the “Departments”) new proposed rules to the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (the Federal Parity Act).
Key Factors of Knowledge Base Adoption in Chinese Local Governments: Based on a Third‐Tier City
Authors: Zhou Jing , Si Li
Published: October 2023

This research seeks to identify critical factors that have an impact on government knowledge base adoption, which is based on the local government of Yi Chang, a typical third‐tier city in China. Firstly, the knowledge base and its development in Chinese local governments are introduced. Secondly, to build the adoption model, factors from the UTAUT and TOE framework were integrated and trust to knowledge base and intention to knowledge reuse are introduced. Thirdly, a questionnaire is designed based on the model and distributed to civil servants from Yi Chang local government. Finally, the proposed model is validated, and the collected data is analyzed by PLS‐SEM. The results show the factors (effort expectancy, social influence, competitive pressure, trust to knowledge base, intention to knowledge reuse) have a positive impact on the adoption of knowledge base in Chinese local governments.
A Preliminary Study of Ovarian Cancer Caregivers’ Health Information Seeking on Social Media
Authors: Zou Ning , Thaker Khushboo , He Daqing
Published: October 2023

This study represents our preliminary work focused on the health information seeking of caregivers of ovarian cancer (OvCa) patients and survivors. Previous research has predominantly focused on OvCa patients' needs, while neglecting caregivers' needs independently. Through the analysis of social media posts by OvCa caregivers, this study explores seven categories of information needs desired by caregivers and examines how these needs evolve throughout the disease trajectory. By distinguishing between caregiver‐specific needs and those on behalf of the patient, our study contributes to the development of a holistic caregiver support framework.
Charting the Australian COVID‐19 Information Flow: Implications for Information Policy
Authors: Afzal Waseem , Du Jia Tina , Haider Ammar , An Lu , Khoir Safirotu , Batool Syeda Hina
Published: October 2023

The outbreak of COVID‐19 posed one of the most serious threats to humanity in recent times. The rapid transmission of this virus across the globe and presence of various information imperfections (e.g., absence of information, confusing information, misinformation) made the craft of developing an effective information policy during this pandemic extremely difficult. This study has analyzed the COVID‐19 information environment of Australia with an aim to understand the important features of the information flow which, in part, helped Australia to achieve one of the lowest COVID‐19 test positivity rates. The findings of this study carry important implications for the design of future information policy imperatives aiming to deal with pandemics, natural catastrophes, and human‐made disasters.
Electronic Health Records and Cyber Hygiene: A Qualitative Study of the Awareness, Knowledge, and Experience of Physicians in Kuwait
Authors: Alkhaledi Reem , Hawamdeh Suliman
Published: October 2023

Threats against electronic medical and health records are on the rise. These threats include phishing attacks, malware and ransomware, encryption blind spots, cloud threats, and most important one is the internal threat caused by gaps in the level of awareness and knowledge of the employees and health practitioner of handling sensitive healthcare data. Cyber hygiene is a term used to describe both the technical and non‐technical threats. In the same way, personal hygiene practices are used to maintain one's own health and protect against diseases, cyber hygiene security practices are important in protecting and preserving sensitive electronic health information systems. In this paper, we report on the findings of a cyber hygiene study carried out in Kuwait with the objectives of assessing the level of awareness, knowledge and experience of physicians and healthcare professionals. The study identified seven different areas or barriers that impacted the cyber hygiene and the adoption of electronic health medical records in Kuwait. The seven areas include financial barriers, time, difficulty of using technology, lack of management support, negative attitude toward the use of electronic medical records, legal and ethical issues, as well as cultural barriers. Most of the physicians interviewed lacked the awareness and basic knowledge needed to practice cyber hygiene. Most physicians were not aware of regulation or standards pertaining to the use of electronic medical records.
Stronger Than Yesterday: Investigating Peoples' Experiences of View Strengthening on Social Media
Authors: Beall Sabrina , Makri Stephann , McKay Dana
Published: October 2023

Polarization of views (known as ideological polarization) is one of the greatest societal challenges of our time, potentially sewing distrust and hate among individuals and communities and threatening to undermine the fabric of democracy. Divisive issues such as abortion and gun control are ever‐present and can drive issue polarization, and even affective polarization—a disdain for ‘the other side,’ which can further divide society. Social media has been flagged as a breeding ground for polarized views, with private groups and personalized algorithms facilitating self‐creation of echo chambers that may lead to polarization. While there is prior research on the technological influences on view strengthening, scant Human‐centered research exists and most of it has focused on view change in general, rather than view strengthening specifically. To investigate peoples' experiences of view strengthening on social media, we interviewed 10 people who recently strengthened their views on important topics. While some took steps to avoid creating echo chambers (e.g., by seeking out opposing views), others intentionally created them to allow their views to strengthen without interference. These findings have important implications for designing social media platforms that support careful and conscious view strengthening while mitigating against the risk of information manipulation.
‘Routine Infrastructuring’: How Social Scientists Appropriate Resources to Deposit Qualitative Data to ICPSR and Implications for FAIR and CARE
Authors: Bratt Sarah
Published: October 2023

This study develops a grounded theory of how social scientists facilitate qualitative data deposit and the impacts on making data FAIR and CARE. Drawing from 15 semi‐structured interviews with U.S. academic social science faculty who deposited data to ICPSR, I take a resource‐centric perspective to address the need for theorizing scientists' use of resources to bridge the gap between underspecified, heterogeneous data practices and repository requirements. The two primary contributions of the study are: First, the identification of three types of resources that social science faculty use to structure data deposit routines, namely: 1) bottom‐up, 2) top‐down, and 3) borrowed resources. Second, I import a theory from crisis informatics, ‘routine infrastructuring,’ to explain how social scientists deposit data to ICPSR. Results reveal that the resources social scientists use function as ostensive routines. I argue routine infrastructuring is not only a way to enact routines but also creates routines. Findings also show ‘in‐house’ resources have a mix of beneficial and negative impacts for data FAIR‐ and CARE‐ness. This study advances the small but growing body of literature that examines routine dynamics in research groups from a resource‐centric perspective to explain qualitative data deposit to research data repositories.
Exploring Information Behavior Patterns in Response to False and Misleading Health Information
Authors: Bressel Paulina , Dewitz Leyla , Greifeneder Elke
Published: October 2023

False information, also known as misinformation or disinformation, has long been a serious concern in health information behavior research. The phenomenon of false information in health information behavior is complex and multifaceted, and it involves a range of factors related to the production, dissemination, and consumption of health information. This paper aims to understand through which channels people receive false health information and which information behavior patterns exist towards this kind of information. Based on 21 qualitative semi‐structured interviews with interactive and visual participative elements, five patterns of health information behavior towards the receivement of false health information were identified. Further, a strong relationship between these patterns, the context in which false health information was encountered, and the information source was observed. Additionally, two specific information behavior patterns (information avoidance and intentional non‐information behavior) as well as the urgency and impact of false information on the health of individuals and society, were identified as potential drivers for the dissemination of false health information.
Engaging Participants in Online Interviews: Lessons Learned from Implementing a Participatory Visual Approach in Two Explorative Health Information Behavior Studies
Authors: Dewitz Leyla
Published: October 2023

This article provides a theoretical background on participatory approaches in (health) information behavior studies. Furthermore, it introduces and discusses the implementation of a visual participatory approach applied in two explorative health information behavior studies, each conducted online via Zoom and with the virtual whiteboard Miro. One study examined the health information behavior and digital well‐being of individuals with social anxiety (n = 22), while the other explored health information behavior in the context of false information and scientificity (n = 21). The approach aimed to actively engage participants within the interview setting through creative and visual elaboration and representation of health information interactions using the virtual whiteboard Miro. Findings show that using visual materials during face‐to‐face interviews facilitated the communication about sensitive health content and supported to capture key statements in situ, promoting the externalization of tacit knowledge during the interviews. Despite the content differences of the two studies, the unifying aspect examined in this article is how the implementation of the visual participatory approaches could enhance interview settings and lead to gathering rich data. This article fills a gap for methodological considerations of participatory techniques within (health) information behavior studies.
Mixed Methods Framework for Understanding Visual Frames in Social Movements
Authors: Dozal Laura W.
Published: October 2023

Attempting to understand visual frame perspectives in social movement posts online is important to develop an account of how social movements communicate and for what purpose. This paper builds a Mixed‐Methods Matrix framework that combines computational applications with visual methodologies to discover frames of meaning making in a large image collection. Frame analysis and Critical Visual Methodology are reviewed and used in the framework to work in tangent with quantitative research methods. The quantitative methods consist of network analysis applications and network structure analysis. Visual sentiment analysis is explored using methods of computer vision. The methods framework is presented in the form of a matrix that enables researchers to identify applications for looking at social movements online through theoretical and computational approaches. The broader implication for the framework is to help researchers understand how online image collections can show meaning through perspective.
Enriching Library Holdings for English Language Learners: Applying Traditional Readability Formulas and Modern Cohesion Methods to Film
Authors: Durward Matthew , Organisciak Peter
Published: October 2023

This study evaluates the effectiveness of various readability measures when assessing the difficulty of film materials for English Language Learners (ELLs). Library materials catering to ELLs are frequently limited to formal instruction texts and fiction materials. This study explores the feasibility of less laborious, computational text assessment methods to better understand library holdings from the perspective of ELL appropriateness. The investigation applies traditional formulaic readability measures and modern cohesion methods to film subtitle data. While text difficulty assessment with readability measures has been widely studied, there is a need to investigate which measures are most suitable for film application. In addition to evaluating existing readability measures, a more robust composite score is also presented, combining aspects of traditional readability formulas and modern cohesion methods. The experiments were conducted on real‐world datasets and tested on film data marked for difficulty by ELLs.