Twenty-First Century Viral Pandemics: A Literature Review of Sexual Transmission and Fertility Implications in Men

Reversible effects of the SARS-CoV-2 on semen parameters

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

Correlation between viral infections in male semen and infertility: a literature review

Infertility affects approximately one-sixth of couples globally, with the incidence of male infertility steadily increasing. However, our understanding of the impact of viral infections on fertility remains limited. This review consolidates findings from previous studies, outlining 40 viruses identified in human semen and summarizing their key characteristics, modes of transmission, and their effects on both the reproductive and endocrine systems. Furthermore, it elucidates potential pathogenic mechanisms and treatment prospects of viruses strongly associated with male infertility. This synthesis will enhance our comprehension of how viral infections influence male reproductive health, offering valuable insights for future research as well as the diagnosis and treatment of infectious infertility.

Antiviral activity of sulphated specialized metabolites from sea urchin Clypeaster humilis: in vitro and in silico studies

Chemical investigations of the sea urchin Clypeaster humilis has led to separation of twelve compounds including one new sulfonic acid derivative (7R) tridec-1-en-7-yl hydrogen sulphate (1), first isolated from natural source, pyridine-3-yl methane sulfonate (2), and first isolated from marine organisms, boldine (12), in addition to nine known compounds (3-11), which were isolated for the first time from the genus Clypeaster. Their structures were elucidated based on spectroscopic analyses (1D and 2D NMR), HR-ESI-MS as well as comparison with the previously reported data. The antiviral activity of the crude extract and sulphated compounds were evaluated using MTT colorimetric assay against Coxsackie B4 virus. The crude extract and compound 1 showed very potent antiviral activity with a percentage of inhibition equal to 89.7 ± 0.53% and 86.1 ± 0.92%, respectively. Results of the molecular docking analysis of the isolated compounds within Coxsackie Virus B4 (COX-B4) X-ray crystal structure and quantum chemical calculation for three sulphated compounds are in a consistent adaptation with the in vitro antiviral results. The pharmacokinetic properties (ADME) of isolated compounds were determined.

What is driving the global decline of human fertility? Need for a multidisciplinary approach to the underlying mechanisms

An intense period of human population expansion over the past 250 years is about to cease. Total fertility rates are falling dramatically all over the world such that highly industrialized nations, including China and the tiger economies of SE Asia, will see their populations decline significantly in the coming decades. The socioeconomic, geopolitical and environmental ramifications of this change are considerable and invite a multidisciplinary consideration of the underlying mechanisms. In the short-term, socioeconomic factors, particularly urbanization and delayed childbearing are powerful drivers of reduced fertility. In parallel, lifestyle factors such as obesity and the presence of numerous reproductive toxicants in the environment, including air-borne pollutants, nanoplastics and electromagnetic radiation, are seriously compromising reproductive health. In the longer term, it is hypothesized that the reduction in family size that accompanies the demographic transition will decrease selection pressure on high fertility genes leading to a progressive loss of human fecundity. Paradoxically, the uptake of assisted reproductive technologies at scale, may also contribute to such fecundity loss by encouraging the retention of poor fertility genotypes within the population. Since the decline in fertility rate that accompanies the demographic transition appears to be ubiquitous, the public health implications for our species are potentially devastating.

Update on known and emergent viruses affecting human male genital tract and fertility

Many viruses infect the male genital tract with harmful consequences at individual and population levels. In fact, viral infections may induce damage to different organs of the male genital tract (MGT), therefore compromising male fertility. The oxidative stress, induced during viral-mediated local and systemic inflammation, is responsible for testicular damage, compromising germinal and endocrine cell functions. A reduction in sperm count, motility, number of normal sperm and an increase in DNA fragmentation are all common findings in the course of viral infections that, however, generally regress after infection clearance. In some cases, however, viral shedding persists for a long time leading to unexpected sexual transmission, even after the disappearance of the viral load from the blood.The recent outbreak of Zika and Ebola Virus evidenced how the MGT could represent a reservoir of dangerous emergent viruses and how new modalities of surveillance of survivors are strongly needed to limit viral transmission among the general population.Here we reviewed the evidence concerning the presence of relevant viruses, including emergent and re-emergent, on the male genital tract, their route of entry, their adverse effects on male fertility and the pattern of viral shedding in the semen.We also described laboratory strategies to reduce the risk of horizontal or vertical cross-infection in serodiscordant couples undergoing assisted reproductive technologies.

Tembusu virus induced apoptosis in vacuolate spermatogenic cells is mediated by Cytc-mediated mitochondrial apoptotic signaling pathway

Duck Tembusu virus (DTMUV) is an emerging mosquito-borne flavivirus that infects mainly poultry and has caused huge economic losses to the poultry farming industry in China. Also known as duck hemorrhagic ovarian disease, DTMUV principally destroys ovarian tissue in ducks, causing a dramatic drop in egg production. and can also invade the male reproductive system causing lesions. Currently, little research has been done to reveal the underlying mechanisms of reproductive dysfunction in ducks caused by DTMUV infection. In this study, histopathological analysis and electron microscopy of testes of ducks infected with DTMUV showed that DTMUV caused testicular atrophy and cytoplasmic vacuolation in ducks. Terminal Deoxynucleotidyl Transferase-Mediated Nick-End Labeling (TUNEL) staining and real-time quantitative PCR(RT-qPCR) results further indicated that DTMUV induced spermatogenic cells apoptosis. After DTMUV infection, a large amount of cytochrome c(Cytc) was released from the mitochondrial matrix into the cytoplasm, activating downstream target proteins and causing apoptosis. To sum up, DTMUV induces spermatogenic cell apoptosis through the Cytc-induced mitochondrial apoptosis pathway, our study provides evidence for DTMUV infection-induced male reproductive disorders.

A possible mechanism of erectile dysfunction in coronavirus disease-19: Cavernosal smooth muscle damage: A pilot study

INTRODUCTION

Studies have reported that coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may cause erectile dysfunction (ED), however, its role in the pathophysiology of ED has not yet been fully elucidated. We aimed to elucidate COVID-19's effects on cavernosal smooth muscle, which has a pretty important role in erection physiology, by corpus cavernosum electromyography (cc-EMG).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-nine male patients aged 20-50 years who applied to the urology outpatient clinic due to ED were included in the study. Nine patients that had COVID-19 and were treated as outpatients were classified as group 1, 10 patients who were hospitalized due to COVID-19 were classified as group 2, and 10 patients who did not have COVID-19 were classified as the control group (group 3). Patients underwent diagnostic evaluation including International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF)-5 form, penile color Doppler ultrasonography (CDUS), cc-EMG, and fasting serum levels of reproductive hormones (07-11am).

RESULTS

According to penile CDUS and hormonal values results, there was no significant difference between the groups. According to cc-EMG results, amplitudes and relaxation capacities of the cavernosal smooth muscle of patients in group 3 were significantly higher than those in the other groups.

CONCLUSIONS

COVID-19 can cause ED not only by psychogenic and hormonal factors but also with cavernosal smooth muscle damage.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT04980508.

Global Catastrophic Biological Risks in the Post-COVID-19 World: Time to Act Is Now

Global Catastrophic Biological Risks (GCBRs) refer to events with biological agents that can result in unprecedented or catastrophic disasters that are beyond the collective response-abilities of nation-states and the existing governance instruments of global governance and international affairs. This article offers a narrative review, with a view to new hypothesis development to rethink GCBRs after coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) so as to better prepare for future pandemics and ecological crises, if not to completely prevent them. To determine GCBRs' spatiotemporal contexts, define causality, impacts, differentiate the risk and the event, would improve theorization of GCBRs compared to the impact-centric current definition. This could in turn lead to improvements in preparedness, response, allocation of resources, and possibly deterrence, while actively discouraging lack of due biosecurity diligence. Critical governance of GCBRs in ways that unpack the political power-related dimensions could be particularly valuable because the future global catastrophic events might be different in quality, scale, and actors. Theorization of GCBRs remains an important task going forward in the 21st century in ways that draw from experiences in the field, while integrating flexibility, versatility, and critically informed responses to GCBRs.

The Impact of COVID-19 Vaccines on Male Semen Parameters: A Retrospective Cohort Study

The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 and the subsequent COVID-19 pandemic necessitated the development of adequate vaccines. Despite vaccines being demonstrated to be safe and effective for preventing severe disease and death, vaccine hesitancy remains. Reasons include concerns over adverse effects on male fertility, which have not been widely investigated. Therefore, this study is aimed at determining the impact of COVID-19 vaccination on semen parameters in a retrospective cohort study of South African males undergoing fertility assessment. The patients for this study were adult men who have previously undergone routine semen analysis for fertility assessment at Androcryos Andrology Laboratory (Johannesburg, South Africa) between March 2021 and March 2022. They also received vaccination within 3 months following a semen analysis and underwent a second semen analysis any time post-COVID-19 vaccination. From 277 records analysed, 46 patients met the inclusion criteria, receiving the Pfizer-BioNTech (BNT162b1) (63%), Johnson and Johnson (JNJ-78436735/Ad26.COV2S) (34.8%), and the AstraZeneca (AZD1222) (2.2%) vaccines. Sperm concentration significantly increased postvaccination ( $P=0.0001$ ), with no significant changes in semen pH, volume, total sperm count, progressive motility, normal sperm morphology, or chromatin condensation. Results were not influenced by age, type of vaccine received, and the number of days following vaccination, as depicted by multiple regression analysis. In conclusion, there is no evidence of a negative impact of COVID-19 vaccination on male semen parameters, which is consistent with the emerging literature on COVID-19 vaccination and male fertility. COVID-19 vaccinations should not be dismissed based on fear of adverse effects on male fertility parameters.

Human seminal virome: a panel based on recent literature

Background

The seminal virome and its implications for fertility remain poorly understood. To date, there are no defined panels for the detection of viruses of clinical interest in seminal samples.

Results

In this study, we characterized the human seminal virome based on more than 1,000 studies published over the last five years.

Conclusions

The number of studies investigating viruses that occur in human semen has increased, and to date, these studies have been mostly prospective or related to specific clinical findings. Through the joint analysis of all these studies, we have listed the viruses related to the worsening of seminal parameters and propose a new panel with the main viruses already described that possibly affect male fertility and health. This panel can assist in evaluating semen quality and serve as a tool for investigation in cases of infertility.

Oxygen desaturation in a transgender man: initial concerns and recommendations regarding the practice of chest binding: a case report

BACKGROUND

Over 1.4 million US adults identify as transgender when gender identity differs from the sex assigned at birth [1]. Although transgender patients face adverse health outcomes, they remain an understudied population [2]. A 2017 study surveyed 411 practicing clinicians and found that 80% had been involved in treating a transgender patient, but 80.6% had never received training on transgender care [3]. The purpose of this report is to describe prolonged desaturation in one case of a transgender patient who wore a chest binder intraoperatively owing to a lack of preoperative recognition.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 19-year-old transgender male of African-American descent with anxiety and class 3 obesity presented for an esophagogastroduodenoscopy to evaluate a 2-year history of upper abdominal pain unresponsive to proton pump inhibitor therapy, with a plan for monitored anesthesia care. His medications included sertraline, pantoprazole, zolpidem, ergocalciferol, leuprolide, and testosterone cypionate. Preoperatively, the patient was instructed to remove all clothing and to don a patient gown while in the bathroom. The attending anesthesiologist then conducted the interview and examination in the preoperative holding area. The patient was induced with 250 mg of propofol, and reassuring respirations were noted by capnography. Respirations and oxygen saturation remained stable upon insertion of the endoscope. Four minutes later, the patient's oxygen saturation rapidly decreased to 50% and end-tidal capnography was lost. The endoscope was removed, and the patient was given 200 mg of propofol and 20 mg succinylcholine. His oxygen saturation recovered to 80% and 100% after 2 and 5 minutes, respectively, of ventilation with 100% inspired oxygen. No further oxygen desaturation was noted throughout the procedure, and the patient was closely monitored for signs of respiratory difficulty during an uneventful postoperative course. After full emergence, it was revealed that the patient had been wearing a chest binder throughout the operative procedure. The patient was counseled on the necessity to communicate the presence of this accessory prior to all future procedures.

CONCLUSION

In the clinical narrative, a healthy patient was observed to have prolonged oxygen desaturation after induction of anesthesia. Laryngospasm was suspected clinically owing to the sudden absence of end-tidal carbon dioxide. Prolonged oxygen desaturation despite appropriate interventions suggests the contribution of additional factors. We speculate that the presence of a chest binder intraoperatively predisposed the patient to more rapid oxygen desaturation less responsive to typical therapy. A chest binder would introduce mechanical restriction to the patient's breathing owing to its inherent design to compress. Although the patient was asked to remove all clothing, specific instructions were not provided regarding the removal of a chest binder. The presence of chest binding was also absent in the electronic health record, despite the documented presence of the patient's preferred gender, hormonal therapy regimen, and medical history. Ultimately, this case reflects the gap between practitioner knowledge and hospital guidelines and the practices of transgender patients. In reviewing existing literature and the potential for atelectasis with external compression, we would consider that patients refrain from chest binding for 12-24 hours before surgical procedures, resume no sooner than 24 hours after ambulation, and participate in diagnostic incentive spirometry pre- and postoperatively.

Insight into prognostics, diagnostics, and management strategies for SARS CoV-2

The foremost challenge in countering infectious diseases is the shortage of effective therapeutics. The emergence of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak has posed a great menace to the public health system globally, prompting unprecedented endeavors to contain the virus. Many countries have organized research programs for therapeutics and management development. However, the longstanding process has forced authorities to implement widespread infrastructures for detailed prognostic and diagnostics study of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS CoV-2). This review discussed nearly all the globally developed diagnostic methodologies reported for SARS CoV-2 detection. We have highlighted in detail the approaches for evaluating COVID-19 biomarkers along with the most employed nucleic acid- and protein-based detection methodologies and the causes of their severe downfall and rejection. As the variable variants of SARS CoV-2 came into the picture, we captured the breadth of newly integrated digital sensing prototypes comprised of plasmonic and field-effect transistor-based sensors along with commercially available food and drug administration (FDA) approved detection kits. However, more efforts are required to exploit the available resources to manufacture cheap and robust diagnostic methodologies. Likewise, the visualization and characterization tools along with the current challenges associated with waste-water surveillance, food security, contact tracing, and their role during this intense period of the pandemic have also been discussed. We expect that the integrated data will be supportive and aid in the evaluation of sensing technologies not only in current but also future pandemics.

Effects of SARS CoV-2, COVID-19, and its vaccines on male sexual health and reproduction: where do we stand?

Since severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was first discovered, there have been questions surrounding the effects of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and more recently the COVID-19 vaccine, on men's health and fertility. Significant research has been conducted to study viral tropism, potential causes for gender susceptibility, the impact of COVID-19 on male sexual function in the acute and recovery phases, and the effects of the virus on male reproductive organs and hormones. This review provides a recent assessment of the literature regarding the impact of COVID-19 and its vaccine on male sexual health and reproduction.

COVID-19 and Male Reproduction: A Thorny Problem

With the global epidemic of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and the increasing number of infections, little is known about how SARS-CoV-2 affects the male reproductive system during infection or after recovery. Based on the existing research data, we reviewed the effects of SARS-CoV-2 on the male reproductive system and discussed its possible mechanism of action. SARS-CoV-2 enters host cells through the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2)/transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2) pathway, and males are more susceptible than females. After infection, immunopathological damage is noticed in the testicles, and the semen index is significantly reduced. Second, abnormalities of serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and testosterone (T) levels were also observed, suggesting that there may be dysfunction of the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal (HPG) axis. Even after recovery, the effect of SARS-CoV-2 on the male reproductive system can last for at least a period. There are still many unresolved questions about the effect of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the male reproductive tract. Other receptors involved during the invasion of human cells by SARS-CoV-2 remain to be identified. Will the mutation of SARS-CoV-2 increase the diversity of receptors? How does SARS-CoV-2 affect the HPG axis? The long-term effects of SARS-CoV-2 on the male reproductive system remain to be evaluated. SARS-CoV-2 infection can affect male reproductive function. Standard treatment strategies should be developed in time to protect the fertility of infected patients. For recovered patients with fertility requirements, fertility assessments should be performed and professional fertility guidance should be provided at the same time.

Hematospermia Etiology, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Sexual Ramifications: A Narrative Review

INTRODUCTION

Hematospermia (HS) is the presence of blood in ejaculatory fluid. It is a rare condition that is historically idiopathic or associated with sexual behavior. Technological advances have identified many of the etiologies behind HS, improving treatment. Though often benign, HS remains a source of considerable sexual anxiety for patients. Few papers have outlined a diagnostic and therapeutic approach to HS, and none have explicitly addressed its sexual consequences.

OBJECTIVES

To provide a comprehensive overview of HS, emphasizing its sexual ramifications.

METHODS

A PubMed literature search was performed through May 2021 to identify all relevant publications related to etiology, diagnosis, treatment, and sexual effects of HS. Original research and reviews were analyzed, and pertinent studies were included in this review.

RESULTS

Iatrogenic interventions (eg, transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsies) are the most common cause of HS. Infection and/or nonspecific inflammation is the most common non-iatrogenic etiology. Malignancies, including prostate, testicular, and other genitourinary cancers, are rarely the cause of HS. Diagnostic approaches to HS can be organized according to patient age (less than or greater than 40 years old), persistence of bleeding, and the presence/absence of concerning symptoms. Though HS often spontaneously resolves, treatment may require various medications (eg, antibiotics, anti-inflammatories) or surgical interventions. HS has several sexual ramifications, including libido-affecting anxiety, social repercussions from sexual partners and non-sexual affiliates, increased risk of erectile dysfunction or transmission of sexual infections, and compromised fertility, especially when cryopreservation is utilized.

CONCLUSION

HS may significantly affect sexual health through several mechanisms, though there is a paucity of formal data on this subject. Further research is needed to fully understand the severity and extent of HS's effect on sexual well-being, especially in those with refractory bleeding. Drury RH, King B, Herzog B, et al. Hematospermia Etiology, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Sexual Ramifications: A Narrative Review. Sex Med Rev. 2021;XX:XXX-XXX.

The impact of COVID-19 on the male reproductive tract and fertility: A systematic review

OBJECTIVE

The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), remains an ongoing public health challenge. Although males are affected slightly more than females, the impact of SARS-COV-2 on male reproductive system remains unclear. This systematic review aims to provide a concise update on the effects of COVID-19 on male reproductive health, including the presence of viral RNA in semen, and the impact on semen quality, testicular histology, testicular pain and male reproductive hormones. The global health is fronting an immediate as well as impending threat from the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) causing coronavirus disease (COVID-19), that inflicts more males than females. Evidence suggest that male reproductive system is susceptible to this viral infection. However, there are still several pertinent queries that remain to be fully explained regarding the mechanism in testicular SARS-CoV-2 dynamics and the exact mode of its actions. Thus, the present systematic review aims to provide a concise update on the effects of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on male reproduction..

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines searching the PubMed database. Eligibility for inclusion were original human studies evaluating the impact of COVID-19 on male reproductive health. Specific outcomes required for inclusion were at least one of the following: i) seminal detection of mRNA virus, or evaluation of ii) semen analysis, iii) testicular histology or ultrasonography, iv) testicular clinical symptoms and/or v) male reproductive hormones in COVID-19-positive patients.

RESULTS

Of 553 retrieved articles, 25 met the inclusion criteria. This included studies primarily investigating the presence of viral RNA in semen (n = 12), semen quality (n = 2), testicular histology (n = 5), testicular pain (n = 2) and male reproductive hormones (n= 4). Results show little evidence for the presence of viral RNA in semen, although COVID-19 seems to affect seminal parameters, induce orchitis, and cause hypogonadism. Mortality cases suggest severe histological disruption of testicular architecture, probably due to a systemic and local reproductive tract inflammatory response and oxidative stress-induced damage.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical evaluation of the male reproductive tract, seminal parameters and reproductive hormones is recommended in patients with current or a history of COVID-19, particularly in males undergoing fertility treatment. Any long-term negative impact on male reproduction remains unexplored and an important future consideration.

Presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in Semen-Cohort Study in the United States COVID-19 Positive Patients

On 31 December 2019, China informed the World Health Organization they were facing a viral pneumonia epidemic of a new type of Coronavirus. Currently, 10 months later, more than 43,000,000 people have been infected, and about 1,150,000 deceased worldwide from the disease. Knowledge about the virus is updated daily, and its RNA was isolated from several human secretions, e.g., throat, saliva, pulmonary alveolar washing, and feces. So far, only one publication found the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in semen. In this 5-month cross-sectional study, we recruited 15 patients diagnosed with a positive nasal swab for SARS-CoV-2 with no or mild symptoms in our institution. A semen sample after a shower was retrieved and tested for viral RNA in the semen. The samples were tested for the viral RNA with RT-PCR with two different genetic probes. The samples were re-tested 24 h after the first test to confirm the results. The SARS-Cov-2 viral RNA was present in 1/15 patients [6.66%] in our sample. Even in a small sample, the RNA from SARS-CoV-2 can be isolated from human semen. This information should alert the scientific community and public health officials about a possible new form of transmission of the disease and long-term clinical effects on the population.

COVID-19 may affect male fertility but is not sexually transmitted: a systematic review

Objective

To determine if SARS-CoV-2, which has led to the rapidly spreading COVID-19 global pandemic, is sexually transmitted. Since the putative receptor for the virus is identified in reproductive organs, it is also important to examine if COVID-19 may affect human fertility.

Evidence Review

A systematic review of English publications was conducted up to December 11, 2020 in PubMed, NIH iCite COVID-19 portfolio, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar databases, searching for SARS-CoV-2 in the testes; seminal, prostatic, and vaginal fluids; and cervical smears. A total of 1,997 records were identified, duplicates were removed, and 1,490 records were reviewed for eligibility by examining titles and abstracts. Subsequently, 202 full-text relevant articles were reviewed by 2 independent reviewers. Forty-seven studies (literature reviews, editorials, and guidelines) were assessed qualitatively, and 23 studies that tested the male and female reproductive tracts of patients with COVID-19 for SARS-CoV-2 were quantitatively analyzed.

Results

No epidemiological investigations to date have described evidence suggesting that COVID-19 is an STD. While angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor is found in the reproductive organs, the lack of co-expression of the TMPRSS2 modulatory protein, required for SARS-CoV-2 cell entry, in testicular cells, sperm, or oocytes, argues against the hypothesis that gametes transmit SARS-CoV-2. Molecular detection studies of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the male and female reproductive tracts were summarized: 98.0% (293/299) of the seminal fluids, 16/17 testicular biopsies, all 89 prostatic fluids, 98.3% (57/58) of the vaginal fluids, all 35 cervical smears, and all 16 oocyte samples tested negative for SARS-CoV-2. None of the studies confirmed sexual transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Nonetheless, COVID-19 may have detrimental effects on male reproduction by inducing orchitis and/or decreasing testosterone levels, sperm counts, and motility.

Conclusion

On the basis of the current worldwide published information, COVID-19 is not an STD. This information is important for clinicians, proposed guidelines for public health, U.S. Food and Drug Administration guidelines for gamete and tissue donor eligibility, and fertility treatments. Universal precautions, currently practiced worldwide, are adequate and sufficient at this time to prevent the transmission of known or unknown viral infections. We suggest that recovered patients of COVID-19, especially those with infertility, should be evaluated for their ovarian and testicular function.

Viral infections and implications for male reproductive health

Viral infections have haunted humankind since times immemorial. Overpopulation, globalization, and extensive deforestation have created an ideal environment for a viral spread with unknown and multiple shedding routes. Many viruses can infect the male reproductive tract, with potential adverse consequences to male reproductive health, including infertility and cancer. Moreover, some genital tract viral infections can be sexually transmitted, potentially impacting the resulting offspring's health. We have summarized the evidence concerning the presence and adverse effects of the relevant viruses on the reproductive tract (mumps virus, human immunodeficiency virus, herpes virus, human papillomavirus, hepatitis B and C viruses, Ebola virus, Zika virus, influenza virus, and coronaviruses), their routes of infection, target organs and cells, prevalence and pattern of virus shedding in semen, as well as diagnosis/testing and treatment strategies. The pathophysiological understanding in the male genital tract is essential to assess its clinical impact on male reproductive health and guide future research.

Group dynamics analysis and the correction of coal miners' unsafe behaviors

The rate of coal mine accidents in China is still high and most coal mine accidents are caused by human unsafe behavior, and the correction of the behavior is, therefore, paramount. In this article, a group dynamics field model and a hierarchical index system of the group dynamics factors of the unsafe behavior of coal miners are established. The internal and external dynamics of groups are analyzed and the importance of each factor is calculated and determined. On this basis, suggested correction measures are put forward. Then, in combination with a questionnaire, the corrective measures of unsafe behaviors are determined and simulated. The results show that, while the correction of unsafe behaviors both in progress and after implementation can achieve good results, the former is more effective than the latter. Via the present research, both unsafe behaviors and the occurrence of coal mine accidents can be effectively prevented, and the safety of coal mine production can be ensured.