Which Large- and Medium-Sized Mammals Use Commercial Short-Rotation Coppice as Habitat?

We surveyed occurrence and activity of large- and medium-sized mammals on six commercial mini-rotation short-rotation coppice (SRC) plantations in northern Germany by camera trapping in different seasons (winter, late summer). In total, eleven species (6–9 per site) were detected. This corresponds to the majority of mammal species occurring in the study region. Roe deer, wild boar and red fox were found across all sites. All other species were detected on fewer sites and some in only one of the seasons. Roe deer was the most active species both in terms of visit frequency (days with detection) and use intensity (detection numbers). With few exceptions on individual sites, all other species showed significantly lower activity. Number of detected species and activity of most of the species did not differ between seasons. Furthermore, there were no differences between near-edge and central areas of the crops with regard to the activity of the occurring species. Activity of individual species on different sites, however, differed considerably in some cases. Our results show that a wide range of mammal species are basically able to include SRC into their habitat utilisation. However, the sporadic use by most species indicates a rather limited current habitat value of the surveyed plantations. Options to increase the habitat value of SRC for mammals are suggested, but their effectiveness needs to be tested in future studies. Since the spatial and temporal scope of our study was limited and only SRC of a uniform age-class were considered, our results are not immediately applicable to other landscapes, seasons or types and management phases of SRC. Therefore, further research is required that considers these aspects as well as species-specific patterns of habitat selection in comparison to other habitat types. © 2022, The Author(s)

Potential of small-scale and structurally diverse short-rotation coppice as habitat for large and medium-sized mammals

We surveyed occurrence and activity of large and medium-sized mammals on three experimental short-rotation coppice (SRC) and three afforestations by camera trapping. Both habitat types were surveyed simultaneously in spring. Additional wintertime surveys were performed on the SRC to consider seasonal aspects of habitat utilisation. In spring, SRC and afforestations were predominantly used by the same species. European hare (Lepus europaeus) and roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) were the most active species across all sites. Additionally, the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) showed intense activity on one SRC site. Activity of carnivorous and omnivorous species was comparatively low in both habitat types, but even lower on the SRC. The only forest-associated species (European badger Meles meles), detected on all afforestations, was absent from the SRC. In winter, the surveyed SRC were used by the same species as in spring. Most species showed similar activity on the SRC in both seasons. We conclude that small-scale and structurally diverse SRC provide suitable habitat, in different seasons, especially for herbivorous mammals associated with farmland and forest-ecotones rather than forest species. The extent to which our results can be generalised to large-scale commercial SRC is unclear. However, the results indicate that SRC can be managed in a manner compatible with wildlife and may then have a habitat function for mammals comparable to that of young afforestations. Creation of within-plantation heterogeneity can be a suitable measure to improve habitat quality and should, therefore, be considered in the design and management of SRC. © 2021, The Author(s)

Spontaneous alterations in semen parameters are associated with age, accessory gland function and the FSHB c.-211G>T variant

background there is a strong within-subject alteration of semen parameters in men with infertility. however, it remains unknown in which subgroup variations are likely to occur and which semen parameters are affected. objective to evaluate parameters associated with spontaneous alterations in semen analysis. patients and methods we retrospectively selected 3456 men with infertility without known causes affecting spermatogenesis or sperm output for analysis of repeated ejaculate samples. exclusion criteria comprised sperm concentration <1 million/mL, abnormal follicle-stimulating hormone or low testosterone, and low bitesticular volume (<10 mL). grouped linear two-level nested mixed-effect models were applied. the analyzed parameters included abstinence time, bitesticular volume, age, accessory gland markers, follicle-stimulating hormone, and FSHB c.-211 variants. results groups include A (n = 397): >= 1.0 to <5.0 million/mL, B (n = 708): >= 5.0 to <15.0 million/mL, and C (n = 2351): >= 15.0 million/mL. groups A, B, and C: changes in ejaculate volume were associated with alterations in total sperm count and motility (p < 0.003). changes were, controlled for abstinence time (p < 0.001), related to alpha-glucosidase, fructose, or zinc (p = 0.005-0.02). group A + B: fluctuations in follicle-stimulating hormone level influenced sperm concentration/count (p = 0.004-0.02), albeit only in men with FSHB c.-211 GG (p = 0.007-0.02). T-allele carriers did not show changes in follicle-stimulating hormone levels (p > 0.1). Group B: age <50 years (p = 0.007-0.01) and normal bitesticular volume (p = 0.008-0.02) were associated with spontaneous increases in sperm concentration, count, and motility. conclusion semen parameters exhibit intra-individual alterations associated with organic, hormonal, and genetic variables. changes are pronounced in younger men with normal bitesticular volume and oligozoospermia to almost normozoospermia. the effect is modulated by abstinence time, accessory gland function, and fluctuations in follicle-stimulating hormone level, which is bound to FSHB c.-211G>T variant. Judgment of semen analysis should be based on two semen samples, with abstinence times between 4 and 5 days. as a future perspective, it might be investigated whether younger men with normal bitesticular volume who are unable to elicit increases in serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSHB c.-211 genotype of GT/TT) benefit from improving accessory gland function and increasing follicle-stimulating hormone

Machine learning based prediction models in male reproductive health: Development of a proof-of-concept model for Klinefelter Syndrome in azoospermic patients

Background Due to the highly variable clinical phenotype, Klinefelter Syndrome is underdiagnosed. Objective Assessment of supervised machine learning based prediction models for identification of Klinefelter Syndrome among azoospermic patients, and comparison to expert clinical evaluation. Materials and methods Retrospective patient data (karyotype, age, height, weight, testis volume, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, testosterone, estradiol, prolactin, semen pH and semen volume) collected between January 2005 and June 2019 were retrieved from a patient data bank of a University Centre. Models were trained, validated and benchmarked based on different supervised machine learning algorithms. Models were then tested on an independent, prospectively acquired set of patient data (between July 2019 and July 2020). Benchmarking against physicians was performed in addition. Results Based on average performance, support vector machines and CatBoost were particularly well-suited models, with 100% sensitivity and >93% specificity on the test dataset. Compared to a group of 18 expert clinicians, the machine learning models had significantly better median sensitivity (100% vs. 87.5%, p = 0.0455) and fared comparably with regards to specificity (90% vs. 89.9%, p = 0.4795), thereby possibly improving diagnosis rate. A Klinefelter Syndrome Score Calculator based on the prediction models is available on . Discussion Differentiating Klinefelter Syndrome patients from azoospermic patients with normal karyotype (46,XY) is a problem that can be solved with supervised machine learning techniques, improving patient care. Conclusions Machine learning could improve the diagnostic rate of Klinefelter Syndrome among azoospermic patients, even more for less-experienced physicians

British Society for Sexual Medicine Guidelines on Adult Testosterone Deficiency, With Statements for UK Practice

BACKGROUND: Testosterone deficiency (TD) is an increasingly common problem with significant health implications, but its diagnosis and management can be challenging. AIM: To review the available literature on TD and provide evidence-based statements for UK clinical practice. METHODS: Evidence was derived from Medline, EMBASE, and Cochrane searches on hypogonadism, testosterone (T) therapy, and cardiovascular safety from May 2005 to May 2015. Further searches continued until May 2017. OUTCOMES: To provide a guideline on diagnosing and managing TD, with levels of evidence and grades of recommendation, based on a critical review of the literature and consensus of the British Society of Sexual Medicine panel. RESULTS: 25 statements are provided, relating to 5 key areas: screening, diagnosis, initiating T therapy, benefits and risks of T therapy, and follow-up. 7 statements are supported by level 1, 8 by level 2, 5 by level 3, and 5 by level 4 evidence. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: To help guide UK practitioners on effectively diagnosing and managing primary and age-related TD. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: A large amount of literature was carefully sourced and reviewed, presenting the best evidence available at the time. However, some statements provided are based on poor-quality evidence. This is a rapidly evolving area of research and recommendations are subject to change. Guidelines can never replace clinical expertise when making treatment decisions for individual patients, but rather help to focus decisions and take personal values and preferences and individual circumstances into account. Many issues remain controversial, but in the meantime, clinicians need to manage patient needs and clinical expectations armed with the best clinical evidence and the multidisciplinary expert opinion available. CONCLUSION: Improving the diagnosis and management of TD in adult men should provide somatic, sexual, and psychological benefits and subsequent improvements in quality of life. Hackett G, Kirby M, Edwards D, et al. British Society for Sexual Medicine Guidelines on Adult Testosterone Deficiency, With Statements for UK Practice. J Sex Med 2017;14:1504-1523

Testosterone undecanoate is associated with improved ageing male symptoms score in men with type 2 diabetes and adult-onset testosterone deficiency: re-analyzed results from a randomised controlled trial

Aim: To evaluate changes in quality of life via the ageing male symptom scale (AMSS) and somatic, psychological, and sexual sub-scales following testosterone undecanoate (TU) or placebo (P) treatment in men with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and adult-onset testosterone deficiency (TD) via a re-analysis of the BLAST (Burntwood, Lichfield, Atherstone, Sutton Coldfield, and Tamworth) randomised controlled trial (RCT). Methods: Analysis of data from the BLAST RCT in men with T2DM and adult-onset TD was performed. Summation baseline and study-end AMSS data were available in 170 men (94: P; 76: TU) with subscale data available in 82 men. Rank-sum and sign-rank tests determined inter/intra-group differences, whilst linear/multiple regression models identified predictors of AMSS change. Results: AMSS improved significantly in P [–2 (median), p = 0.010] and TU [–6 (median), p 49. In the cohort with subscale AMSS data, TU was associated with improvements in somatic, psychological, and sexual subscales, whilst improvement was limited to the somatic subscale in the men on P. TU (reference: P) and higher baseline AMSS were significantly and independently associated with AMSS improvement. The improvement in summation AMSS associated with TU (reference: P) was only evident in men with mild depression and no anxiety (based on baseline Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale data). Conclusions: TU appeared associated with improved AMSS (summation and subscales) in men with T2DM and adult-onset TD demonstrating symptoms (AMSS ≥ 27) with this benefit mediated by levels of depression and anxiety (European Union Clinical Trials Register, EudraCT 2008-000931-16)

European academy of andrology guidelines on Klinefelter syndrome : endorsing organization : European Society of Endocrinology

Background Knowledge about Klinefelter syndrome (KS) has increased substantially since its first description almost 80 years ago. A variety of treatment options concerning the spectrum of symptoms associated with KS exists, also regarding aspects beyond testicular dysfunction. Nevertheless, the diagnostic rate is still low in relation to prevalence and no international guidelines are available for KS. Objective To create the first European Academy of Andrology (EAA) guidelines on KS. Methods An expert group of academicians appointed by the EAA generated a consensus guideline according to the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation) system. Results Clinical features are highly variable among patients with KS, although common characteristics are severely attenuated spermatogenesis and Leydig cell impairment, resulting in azoospermia and hypergonadotropic hypogonadism. In addition, various manifestations of neurocognitive and psychosocial phenotypes have been described as well as an increased prevalence of adverse cardiovascular, metabolic and bone-related conditions which might explain the increased morbidity/mortality in KS. Moreover, compared to the general male population, a higher prevalence of dental, coagulation and autoimmune disorders is likely to exist in patients with KS. Both genetic and epigenetic effects due to the supernumerary X chromosome as well as testosterone deficiency contribute to this pathological pattern. The majority of patients with KS is diagnosed during adulthood, but symptoms can already become obvious during infancy, childhood or adolescence. The paediatric and juvenile patients with KS require specific attention regarding their development and fertility. Conclusion These guidelines provide recommendations and suggestions to care for patients with KS in various developmental stages ranging from childhood and adolescence to adulthood. This advice is based on recent research data and respective evaluations as well as validations performed by a group of experts

Testosterone supplementation and body composition: results from a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

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The Novel Somatostatin Receptor 2/Dopamine Type 2 Receptor Chimeric Compound BIM-23A758 Decreases the Viability of Human GOT1 Midgut Carcinoid Cells

The majority of neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) of thegastro-enteropancreatic system coexpress sornatostatin receptors (SSTRs)and dopamine type 2 receptors (D2R), thus providing a rationale for theuse of novel SSTR2/D2R chimeric compounds in NET disease. Here weinvestigate the antitumor potential of the SSTR2/D2R chimeric compoundsBIM-23A760 and BIM-23A758 in comparison to the selective SSTR2 agonistBIM-23023 and the selective D2R agonist BIM-53097 on human NET celllines of heterogeneous origin. While having only minor effects on humanpancreatic and bronchus carcinoid cells (BONI and NCI-H727), BIM-23A758induced significant antitumor effects in human midgut carcinoid cells(GOT1). These effects involved apoptosis induction as well as inhibitionof mitogen-activated protein kinase and Akt signaling. Consistent withtheir antitumor response to BIM-23A758, GOT1 cells showed relativelyhigh expression levels of SSTR2 and D2R mRNA. In particular, GOT1 cellshighly express the short transcript variant of D2R. In contrast toBIM-23A758, the SSTR2/D2R chimeric compound BIM-23A760 as well as theindividual SSTR2 and D2R agonistic compounds BIM-23023 and BIM-53097induced no or only minor antitumor responses in the examined NET celllines. Taken together, our findings suggest that the novel SSTR2/D2Rchimeric compound BIM-23A758 might be a promising substance for thetreatment of NETs highly expressing SSTR2 and D2R. In particular, asufficient expression of the short transcript variant of DR2 might playa pivotal role for effective treatment

Onset of effects of testosterone treatment and time span until maximum effects are achieved

Objective: Testosterone has a spectrum of effects on the male organism. This review attempts to determine, from published studies, the time-course of the effects induced by testosterone replacement therapy from their first manifestation until maximum effects are attained. Design: Literature data on testosterone replacement. Results: Effects on sexual interest appear after 3 weeks plateauing at 6 weeks, with no further increments expected beyond. Changes in erections/ejaculations may require up to 6 months. Effects on quality of life manifest within 3-4 weeks, but maximum benefits take longer. Effects on depressive mood become detectable after 3-6 weeks with a maximum after 18-30 weeks. Effects on erythropoiesis are evident at 3 months, peaking at 9-12 months. Prostate-specific antigen and volume rise, marginally, plateauing at 12 months; further increase should be related to aging rather than therapy. Effects on lipids appear after 4 weeks, maximal after 6-12 months. Insulin sensitivity may improve within few days, but effects on glycemic control become evident only after 3-12 months. Changes in fat mass, lean body mass, and muscle strength occur within 12-16 weeks, stabilize at 6-12 months, but can marginally continue over years. Effects on inflammation occur within 3-12 weeks. Effects on bone are detectable already after 6 months while continuing at least for 3 years. Conclusion: The time-course of the spectrum of effects of testosterone shows considerable variation, probably related to pharmacodynamics of the testosterone preparation. Genomic and non-genomic effects, androgen receptor polymorphism and intracellular steroid metabolism further contribute to such diversity