Kanchana Sreekumaran Nair Bindhu, Magesh Vadivelu, Nalini Devarajan
et al.
Male infertility accounts for nearly half of all infertility cases worldwide but remains under-recognised. This review summarises the current genetic and molecular determinants of male infertility and their clinical implications. A comprehensive narrative review was conducted on chromosomal abnormalities, Y-chromosome microdeletions, single-gene mutations, epigenetic alterations, mitochondrial dysfunction and syndromic conditions affecting spermatogenesis. Advances in high-resolution genomic tools, including whole-exome sequencing (WES), next-generation sequencing (NGS) and genomic microarrays, were evaluated alongside assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) such as intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and pre-implantation genetic testing (PGT). Modern genomic technologies enhance diagnostic accuracy and enable personalised reproductive management. Molecular mechanisms, including sperm DNA fragmentation, non-coding RNA regulation and environmentally influenced epigenetic changes, are major contributors to infertility. Integrating molecular diagnostics with ART supports precision-based treatment and genetic counselling. Genetic and molecular insights are transforming male infertility care through individualised diagnostics and targeted interventions. Continued genomic and molecular research will further refine diagnosis, optimise ART outcomes and advance personalised reproductive medicine.
LEA_5 domain-containing proteins constitute a small family of late embryogenesis-abundant proteins that are essential for seed desiccation tolerance and dormancy. However, their roles in non-seed storage organs such as underground tubers are largely unknown. This study presents the first genome-scale analysis of the <i>LEA_5</i> family in tigernut (<i>Cyperus esculentus</i> L.), a Cyperaceae plant producing desiccation-tolerant tubers. Four <i>LEA_5</i> genes identified from the tigernut genome are twice of two present in model plants <i>Arabidopsis thaliana</i> and <i>Oryza sativa</i>. A comparison of 86 members from 34 representative plant species revealed the monogenic origin and lineage-specific family evolution in Poales, which includes the Cyperaceae family. <i>CeLEA5</i> genes belong to four out of five orthogroups identified in this study, i.e., LEA5a, LEA5b, LEA5c, and LEA5d. Whereas LEA5e is specific to eudicots, LEA5b and LEA5d appear to be Poales-specific and LEA5c is confined to families Cyperaceae and Juncaceae. Though no syntenic relationship was observed between <i>CeLEA5</i> genes, comparative genomics analyses indicated that LEA5b and LEA5c are more likely to arise from LEA5a via whole-genome duplication. Additionally, local duplication, especially tandem duplication, also played a role in the family expansion in <i>Juncus effuses</i>, <i>Joinvillea ascendens</i>, and most Poaceae plants examined in this study. Structural variation (e.g., fragment insertion) and expression divergence of <i>LEA_5</i> genes were also observed. Whereas <i>LEA_5</i> genes in <i>A. thaliana</i>, <i>O. sativa</i>, and <i>Zea mays</i> were shown to be preferentially expressed in seeds/embryos, <i>CeLEA5</i> genes have evolved to be predominantly expressed in tubers, exhibiting seed desiccation-like accumulation during tuber maturation. Moreover, <i>CeLEA5</i> orthologs in <i>C. rotundus</i> showed weak expression in various stages of tuber development, which may explain the difference in tuber desiccation tolerance between these two close species. These findings highlight the lineage-specific evolution of the <i>LEA_5</i> family, which facilitates further functional analysis and genetic improvement in tigernut and other species.
Mykola Zhelavskyi, Mykola Maryniuk, Maryna Drobot
et al.
Background:
Progesterone, primarily produced by the corpus luteum, is essential for maintaining pregnancy in dogs by promoting endometrial receptivity and supporting fetal development. Hypoluteoidism, defined by inadequate progesterone production, significantly increases the risk of pregnancy loss and reproductive failure. This study evaluates the role of progesterone in canine pregnancy, the risks associated with hormonal deficiency, and the effectiveness of therapeutic intervention.
Aim:
This study emphasizes the role of progesterone supplementation combined with magnesium and tocopherol in supporting pregnancy maintenance and restoring hormonal homeostasis.
Methods:
Progesterone levels were monitored across the estrous cycle in French Bulldog bitches (n=20). The control group was divided into two subsets. At the first stage of the study, control group C1 (n=10) consisted of dogs in the anestrus phase. At the second stage, control group C2 (n=10) included dogs on days 18 to 22 of pregnancy. Animals in both control groups (C1 and C2) did not receive any pharmacological treatments throughout the experiment. The experimental group (dogs with luteal insufficiency, days 18 to 22 of pregnancy; n=10) exhibited significantly lower serum progesterone levels (9.90 ± 0.19 nmol/L) compared to the control group (55.60 ± 2.23 nmol/L, p [Open Vet. J. 2025; 15(6.000): 2671-2681]
Abstract Background To evaluate whether there was a difference in outcome between pulsatile gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) therapy and human chorionic gonadotropin/human menopausal gonadotropin (hCG/HMG) therapy for induction of spermatogenesis in post-pubertal male patients with congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH). Methods This was a single-center retrospective cohort study conducted at the Andrology Center of a university hospital. A total of 155 postpubertal CHH patients who met the inclusion criteria underwent spermatogenic induction at the same andrology center. All patients used pulsatile GnRH therapy or hCG/HMG therapy for at least 6 months. The effects of spermatogenic induction therapy and testicular growth were evaluated. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify statistically significant factors which could predict the outcome of treatment. Results There was no difference in the efficiency of successfully inducing spermatogenesis between pulsatile GnRH therapy and hCG/HMG therapy (82.1% vs. 75.8%, P: 0.356), nor was there a difference in sperm concentration category (SCC) (P: 0.284). However, the mean time required for pulsatile GnRH therapy was shorter (12.34 vs. 14.74 months, P: 0.038). At the treatment endpoint, total testicular volume (TTV) was greater with pulsatile GnRH therapy compared with hCG/HMG therapy (15 vs. 12 ml, P: 0.010), and there was still no difference in SCC (P: 0.310). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that only baseline TTV was statistically significant predictor of induced spermatogenic success (odds ratio, OR: 1.156, 95% confidence interval, CI: 1.013, 1.319). The area under receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.635, a sensitivity of 0.661, and a specificity of 0.588. In addition, multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that younger age at treatment initiation and higher baseline TTV were significantly associated with increased sperm concentration at the end of treatment. Conclusion Pulsatile GnRH therapy was similar to hCG/HMG therapy in inducing spermatogenesis in post-pubertal CHH patients, but it took less time and was more beneficial to testicular development. Larger baseline TTV may mean a better spermatogenic outcome. It was necessary for patients to have more information about spermatogenesis therapy in order to make reasonable medical decisions. Clinical trial registration number Chinese Clinical Trial Registry. ChiCTR2400086876. Retrospectively registered on July 5, 2024.
IntroductionAs a key protected species in the lower reaches of the Jinsha River, Schizothorax wangchiachii plays a vital role in maintaining aquatic ecosystem stability. Understanding habitat suitability conditions for its spawning grounds is critical for habitat restoration.MethodsTo systematically investigate habitat selection mechanisms and key drivers during its spawning period, this study induced its natural reproduction by enriching the natural habitat with diverse substrates, used acoustic telemetry to track movement trajectories, thereby clarifying environmental requirements.ResultsThe results showed that the S. wangchiachii exhibited significant aggregation during spawning (Z > 2.58, P < 0.01), mainly gathering in the slow-flow beach area which belonged to the shallow flow type of slow-flow habitats. Notably, environmental preferences diverged between spawning phases, S. wangchiachii exhibited divergent environmental preferences, which were categorized into two distinct habitat types: pre- and post-spawning stages favored habitats with slower surface velocities (0.10–0.25 m/s), shallower depths (0.43–0.66 m), and small-pebble substrates. Active spawning, however, occurred exclusively in nest-like depressions characterized by higher surface velocities (0.32–0.42 m/s), reduced bottom velocities (0.04–0.24 m/s), greater depths (0.52–0.71 m), and finer gravel substrates. Random Forest-based importance analysis indicated that fluvial substrate composition and surface flow velocity were the key predictive variables for habitat selection model with MeanDecreaseGini being 23.3% and 22.6%, respectively.SignificanceThese findings provide quantitative criteria for restoring natural spawning grounds and optimizing ecological operation strategies to support S. wangchiachii conservation in the lower Jinsha River.
During the COVID-19 outbreak, a large population was exposed to social media. Since it was a new virus and no specific information was available about its dynamics, therefore people were dependent on social media to gather more and more information. Social media has its pros and cons, which have an impact on the life of human beings which was more in the case of COVID-19 due to restricted interaction during the period of pandemic. In this article, the effects of social media on the mental health of people have been investigated with the help of Holling type II and Monod Haldane rates in the form of incidence and treatment rates, respectively. The model exhibits two types of equilibria: disease-free equilibrium (DFE) and endemic equilibrium (EE), which has been confirmed by the Fractional Routh-Hurwitz criterion. Further stability behavior has been also analyzed under certain sufficient conditions that depend on threshold R0, a Basic Reproduction number, which is determined by the next generation approach. The findings indicate that the fractional order has a considerable influence on the dynamic process. The difference between fractional and integer order derivatives is illustrated by the memory effect. Finally, numerical simulations have been performed to validate our analytical findings and to examine the effect of various parameters on the dynamics of social media on mental health.
Robert Najdecki, Nikolaos Peitsidis, Ioannis Tsakiridis
et al.
Background: Induced endometrial injury is a technique described that have positive impact on implantation. The aim ofthis study was to investigate whether hysteroscopic endometrial fundal incision (EFI) in oocyte recipients before embryotransfer increases pregnancy and live birth rates or not.Materials and Methods: A prospective study was conducted between 2014 and 2019 at an in vitro fertilization (IVF) unitin Greece. As part of the protocol, hysteroscopy and EFI were offered to all the egg recipients and the outcomes comparedwith those from an older cohort from the same Unit not undergoing hysteroscopy.Results: In total, 332 egg recipients participated in the study; 114 of them underwent EFI prior to embryo transfer. Bothgroups were similar in terms of age, years of infertility, duration of hormone replacement treatment (HRT) and numberof blastocysts transferred. In the EFI group, minor anomalies were detected and treated in 6.1% (n=7) of the participants.Moreover, pregnancy test was positive in 73.7% of the women in the hysteroscopy group compared to 57.8% in the nonhysteroscopygroup (P=0.004). Live birth rate was also higher (56.1 vs. 42.2%, P=0.016) in the EFI group compared tothe non-hysteroscopy one.Conclusion: Apart from the obvious benefit of recognizing obscured anomalies, requiring surgical correction, it appearsthat in oocyte recipients prior to embryo transfer, EFI might improve uterine receptivity and reproductive outcomes.
The Covid-19 pandemic and energy, climate, and demographic crises have shown how cities are vulnerable to these impacts and how the access to green and blue spaces has become highly relevant to people. One strategy that we can observe is the strong focus on the resilience discourse, meaning implementing more green and blue spaces in urban areas, such as at previous brownfield quarters. However, social justice implications of urban greening have been overlooked for a long time. The implementation of strategies to improve the quality and availability of the green and blue infrastructures may indeed have negative outcomes as far as housing accessibility is concerned by trigging gentrification processes. Issues related to environmental justice and socio-spatial justice are increasing in contemporary cities and call for a better understanding of the global and local mechanisms of production and reproduction of environmental and spatial inequalities. This thematic issue includes eleven articles with different methodologies, with examples from Europe and North America as well as different lenses of green gentrification. Some articles focus more on the question of costs, benefits, and distributional consequences of various infrastructural options for urban greening. Others, instead, discuss how the strategic urban planning tools and policy processes take into account distributional consequences, with specific attention on participatory processes.
Mompati Vincent Chakale, John Awungnjia Asong, Madeleen Struwig
et al.
Ethnoveterinary practices and ethnobotanical knowledge serve as potential therapeutic approaches used to manage and prevent cattle diseases within poor communities in developing nations. Most of the knowledge and practices remain inadequately documented and threatened with extinction in the future. This study aimed to explore the ethnoveterinary practices and knowledge on plants used to treat cattle diseases in two communities of the Ramotshere Moiloa local municipality, South Africa. A semi-structured interview guide, snowball, and purposive technique were used to collect data and recruit 90 participants. Three ethnobotanical indices (informant consensus factor (Fic), use-value (UV), and relative frequency of citation (RFC) were used for quantitative analysis. A total of 64 medicinal plants from 32 families (dominated by Compositae, Fabaceae, and Asparagaceae) were used to treat 27 cattle diseases. The plants with a high frequency of citation and RFC were <i>Gomphocarpus fruticosus</i> (75, 0.83), <i>Opuntia ficus-indica</i> (74, 0.82), <i>Schkuhria pinnata</i> and <i>Portulaca oleracea</i> (73, 0.81), <i>Solanum lichtensteinii</i> (70, 0.77), and <i>Senna italica.</i> In addition, <i>Schkuhria pinnata</i> and <i>Aloe greatheadii</i> (0.077) had the highest UV. About 28.13% of 64 identified plants were documented as ethnoveterinary medicine for treating cattle ailments, for the first time. The remedies were mainly either prepared as a decoction (52.04%), ground, or prepared as an infusion (16.33%). The plants were administered either orally (69.79%) or topically (30.2%). The ailments with a high frequency of citations were: wounds and constipation (76); arthralgia and retained placenta (69); and lumpy skin disease (68). The categories with the highest number of plants used were gastrointestinal problems (53), skin problems (33), respiratory problems (25), and fertility/reproduction disorders (21). The highest Fic score was cited for tick-borne diseases (1), followed by musculoskeletal systems (Fic = 0.89), and general system infection (Fic = 0.88). The current findings contribute to the documentation and preservation of valuable knowledge from indigenous communities for extensive use. Additionally, ethnoveterinary uses of <i>Portulaca oleracea</i>, <i>Securidaca longipedunculata,</i> and <i>Plumbago zeylanica</i> were recorded for the first time. Further scientific evaluation of the most cited and indigenous/native plants is recommended to establish their therapeutic potential and possible integration into the conventional veterinary sector for the welfare of cattle.
Ruwan Ratnayake, Francesco Checchi, Christopher I Jarvis
et al.
<h4>Background</h4>The evaluation of ring vaccination and other outbreak-containment interventions during severe and rapidly-evolving epidemics presents a challenge for the choice of a feasible study design, and subsequently, for the estimation of statistical power. To support a future evaluation of a case-area targeted intervention against cholera, we have proposed a prospective observational study design to estimate the association between the strength of implementation of this intervention across several small outbreaks (occurring within geographically delineated clusters around primary and secondary cases named 'rings') and its effectiveness (defined as a reduction in cholera incidence). We describe here a strategy combining mathematical modelling and simulation to estimate power for a prospective observational study.<h4>Methodology and principal findings</h4>The strategy combines stochastic modelling of transmission and the direct and indirect effects of the intervention in a set of rings, with a simulation of the study analysis on the model results. We found that targeting 80 to 100 rings was required to achieve power ≥80%, using a basic reproduction number of 2.0 and a dispersion coefficient of 1.0-1.5.<h4>Conclusions</h4>This power estimation strategy is feasible to implement for observational study designs which aim to evaluate outbreak containment for other pathogens in geographically or socially defined rings.
Arctic medicine. Tropical medicine, Public aspects of medicine
Giovanna Di Emidio, Stefano Falone, Paolo Giovanni Artini
et al.
Mitochondria act as hubs of numerous metabolic pathways. Mitochondrial dysfunctions contribute to altering the redox balance and predispose to aging and metabolic alterations. The sirtuin family is composed of seven members and three of them, SIRT3-5, are housed in mitochondria. They catalyze NAD+-dependent deacylation and the ADP-ribosylation of mitochondrial proteins, thereby modulating gene expression and activities of enzymes involved in oxidative metabolism and stress responses. In this context, mitochondrial sirtuins (mtSIRTs) act in synergistic or antagonistic manners to protect from aging and aging-related metabolic abnormalities. In this review, we focus on the role of mtSIRTs in the biological competence of reproductive cells, organs, and embryos. Most studies are focused on SIRT3 in female reproduction, providing evidence that SIRT3 improves the competence of oocytes in humans and animal models. Moreover, SIRT3 protects oocytes, early embryos, and ovaries against stress conditions. The relationship between derangement of SIRT3 signaling and the imbalance of ROS and antioxidant defenses in testes has also been demonstrated. Very little is known about SIRT4 and SIRT5 functions in the reproductive system. The final goal of this work is to understand whether sirtuin-based signaling may be taken into account as potential targets for therapeutic applications in female and male infertility.
It is a major challenge to transfer target sensing data efficiently to sink in Internet of things. The low-efficiency data transmission can cause low quality of service. To realize the emergent detection and periodic data gathering, the sensed data should be transferred to the sink efficiently and quickly. Recently, there are many related studies. However, there are few researches taking energy efficiency, transport delay, and network reliability into comprehensive consideration. In this article, a novel adaptive green and reliable routing scheme based on a fuzzy logic system is proposed in consideration of energy efficiency, end-to-end transport delay, and network transmission reliability. The key idea of the proposed scheme is to generate different number of renewed packet copies after certain steps according to the fuzzy inference. The fuzzy inference reflects the knowledge that the nodes in the region far to the sink and with more remaining energy initiate and transmit more packet copies concurrently by multiple routing paths to ensure the success rate of data transmission, whereas less. Thus, the high energy efficiency and low latency are obtained for data collection. Our analysis and simulation results show that adaptive green and reliable routing is more superior than the existing scheme.