Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Martina Balli, Anna Cecchele, Valerio Pisaturo, Sofia Makieva, Giorgia Carullo, Edgardo Somigliana, Alessio Paffoni, Paola Vigano'
Summary: This article reviews the advantages and limitations of conventional IVF and discusses fundamental questions related to the technique. It provides insights into the opportunities and best practices in human c-IVF in the field of reproductive medicine.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Marta Ciaffaglione, Marco Reschini, Martina Balli, Cristina Guarneri, Maria Carla Palermo, Monica Pinna, Valerio Pisaturo, Edgardo Somigliana, Alessio Paffoni, Paola Vigano
Summary: This study demonstrates that different post-thaw embryo culture timings do not negatively affect pregnancy outcomes. These findings are important in organizing the workflow in embryological laboratories.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Farin Yazdan Parast, Moira K. O'Bryan, Reza Nosrati
Summary: Selection of high-quality sperm is crucial for assisted reproduction. This article introduces a scalable technology called 'sperm syringe' that mimics the 3D selection process in vivo to select high-quality sperm. Experimental results show that the sperm syringe significantly improves selected sperm morphology and DNA integrity, making it a promising assisted reproductive technology.
ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES
(2022)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Romualdo Sciorio, Nady El Hajj
Summary: Since the first successful in vitro fertilization, more than 9 million children have been born through assisted reproductive technologies (ART). However, the non-physiological conditions and environmental changes during in vitro culture may lead to epigenetic errors, increasing the risk of imprinting disorders and other diseases in children conceived via ART.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Ken Higashimoto, Hijiri Watanabe, Yuka Tanoue, Hidefumi Tonoki, Tomoharu Tokutomi, Satoshi Hara, Hitomi Yatsuki, Hidenobu Soejima
Summary: Silver-Russell syndrome (SRS) is a representative imprinting disorder characterized by ICR1-LOM, with analysis showing variations in methylation patterns among different patients, emphasizing the importance of simultaneous analysis of multiple methylation sites for accurate molecular diagnosis.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL GENETICS
(2021)
Article
Biology
Carol A. Edwards, William M. D. Watkinson, Stephanie B. Telerman, Lisa C. Hulsmann, Russell S. Hamilton, Anne C. Ferguson-Smith, Deborah Bourc'his
Summary: In mice and humans, imprinting genes play important roles in development, behavior, and post-natal adaptations. Failure to properly imprint genes in humans is associated with various disorders and diseases. Researchers have used RNA-seq technologies and hybrid mouse strains to identify novel imprinted genes, leading to an increase in reported genes with parental origin-specific expression bias. However, validation experiments show that many of these genes are not genuine imprinted genes and that the mouse strain has a greater influence on expression biases than parental origin.
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Baris Ata, Nathalie Vermeulen, Edgar Mocanu, Luca Gianaroli, Kersti Lundin, Satu Rautakallio-Hokkanen, Juha S. Tapanainen, Anna Veiga
Summary: This article summarizes the impact of SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 on human fertility and assisted reproduction, as well as the influence of vaccination. It provides answers to relevant questions for individuals considering pregnancy and healthcare professionals. The findings suggest that SARS-CoV-2 can affect spermatogenesis and menstrual patterns, but has minimal impact on ovarian function and embryo development. COVID-19 infection and vaccination do not negatively affect reproductive outcomes.
HUMAN REPRODUCTION UPDATE
(2023)
Review
Oncology
Huanhuan Chen, Lei Zhang, Li Meng, Linlin Liang, Cuilian Zhang
Summary: Cryopreservation is an important aspect of assisted reproductive technology. The vitrification method has been widely used and has shown improved outcomes in terms of cell survival rate, preimplantation development rate, and pregnancy outcomes. However, the use of high-concentration cryoprotectants and ultra-rapid cooling in vitrification may cause adverse effects on gametes, embryos, and tissue cells. Imprinted genes, which are regulated by epigenetic modifications, play a crucial role in placenta, fetal development, and offspring health. The impact of cryopreservation techniques, especially vitrification, on imprinted genes has been found in animal studies but has limited evidence in humans.
CLINICAL EPIGENETICS
(2022)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Romualdo Sciorio, Sandro C. Esteves
Summary: This review discusses the use of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) in assisted reproductive technology (ART) and the potential risks associated with it. While ICSI has been successful in helping individuals with infertility, there is growing evidence that it may lead to adverse health outcomes in offspring, including epigenetic disorders and other abnormalities.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Review
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Abbi Huddleston, Kaylin Ray, Rigel Bacani, Jordan Staggs, Reece M. Anderson, Matt Vassar
Summary: The aim of this study was to identify gaps in research pertaining to inequities in medically assisted reproduction (MAR) and propose suggestions for future research directions. The study found that historically marginalized populations and LGBTQ+ populations had poorer outcomes and were less likely to use MAR or seek infertility care. Income and education showed positive correlations with MAR use. Men and people from rural/under-resourced populations were less likely to access MAR.
REPRODUCTIVE SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Anna Joud, Emma Nilsson-Condori, Lone Schmidt, Soren Ziebe, Ditte Vassard, Kristina Mattsson
Summary: Women with asthma have comparable chances of giving birth compared to women without asthma, but they have a higher risk of infertility, pregnancy loss, and the need for medically assisted reproduction.
HUMAN REPRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Constance E. Clare, Valerie Pestinger, Wing Yee Kwong, Desmond A. R. Tutt, Juan Xu, Helen M. Byrne, David A. Barrett, Richard D. Emes, Kevin D. Sinclair
Summary: Transcripts for almost all genes encoding enzymes in the linked methionine-folate cycles were found to be expressed in ovarian and embryonic cells across different species, except for BHMT and MAT1A. Absence of the enzyme BHMT in bovine cells was shown to lead to more volatile transmethylation reactions in response to 1C substrates. Reduction in methionine concentration during bovine embryo culture was found to have genome-wide effects on DNA methylation, particularly affecting imprinted genes associated with abnormal fetal growth. Further research is needed to determine the importance of interspecies variation in BHMT expression.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Audrey J. Gaskins, Yujia Zhang, Jeani Chang, Dmitry M. Kissin
Summary: This study developed models to predict the probability of live birth in individuals considering in vitro fertilization based on demographic and reproductive characteristics. Female age showed the strongest association with live birth rate, while other factors such as lower body mass index and parity or gravidity >1 were also associated with higher live birth rates. Infertility diagnoses of diminished ovarian reserve, uterine factor, and other reasons were associated with a lower live birth rate, while male factor, tubal factor, ovulatory disorders, and unexplained infertility were associated with a higher live birth rate.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Michael Kitlinski, Aleksander Giwercman, Angel Elenkov
Summary: This study found that fathers with a history of cancer, particularly those with testicular, prostate, and hematological and lymphatic malignancies, were more likely to use assisted reproduction to achieve paternity. These findings highlight the importance of fertility care for male cancer survivors.
HUMAN REPRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Jennifer Danzig, Dong Li, Suzanne Jan de Beur, Michael A. Levine
Summary: Patients with pseudohypoparathyroidism type 1b (PHP1b) exhibit disordered imprinting or paternal uniparental disomy. Researchers identified diverse defective methylation patterns and novel or known mutations in 9 out of 12 PHP1b families.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGY & METABOLISM
(2021)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Madalina Neacsu, Nicholas J. Vaughan, Salvatore Multari, Elisabeth Haljas, Lorraine Scobbie, Gary J. Duncan, Louise Cantlay, Claire Fyfe, Susan Anderson, Graham Horgan, Alexandra M. Johnstone, Wendy R. Russell
Summary: This study found that plant-based diets can effectively increase satiety, and that hemp and buckwheat have important effects on GLP-1 and branched-chain amino acids, which may be beneficial for the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NUTRITION
(2022)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Daniel Crabtree, Adrian Holliday, William Buosi, Claire Fyfe, Graham Horgan, Alexandra Johnstone
Summary: This study compares the acute effects of two breakfast drinks differing in protein and energy contents on appetite and free-living energy intake in older adults. It was found that a very high-protein breakfast drink acutely suppressed appetite more than a low-energy, high-protein drink, but had no effect on free-living energy intake.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Elina Mattila, Susanne Hansen, Lise Bundgaard, Lauren Ramsey, Alice Dunning, Marlene N. Silva, Marja Harjumaa, Miikka Ermes, Marta M. Marques, Marcela Matos, Sofus C. Larsen, Jorge Encantado, Ines Santos, Graham Horgan, Ruairi O'Driscoll, Jake Turicchi, Cristiana Duarte, Antonio L. Palmeira, R. James Stubbs, Berit Lilienthal Heitmann, Liisa Lahteenmaki
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate user experiences with the NoHoW Toolkit and identify the main strengths, weaknesses, and external factors affecting its adoption. The usability level of the TK was rated as satisfactory, but user acceptance declined over time. The most appreciated features were weekly emails, graphs, goal setting, and interactive exercises. The long-term user experience of the TK highlighted the need for optimization in its technical functioning, appearance, and content during the trial.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL INTERNET RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Graham W. Horgan, Stephen Whybrow, Andrea Scalco, Tony Craig, Jennie Macdiarmid
Summary: Different food groups have varying degrees of impact on energy intake, with higher intake of certain foods leading to higher energy intake. Foods with higher energy density or lower fiber content tend to promote greater energy intake. The associations between consuming more or less food than usual and the effects on energy intake are consistent with findings from laboratory studies.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NUTRITION
(2022)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Elina Mattila, Graham Horgan, Antonio L. Palmeira, Ruairi O'Driscoll, R. James Stubbs, Berit L. Heitmann, Marta M. Marques
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate whether engaging with digital intervention modules has immediate effects on actual physical activity behavior. The results showed that modules targeting goal setting and action planning, as well as identifying barriers and coping planning, had both immediate and sustained effects on physical activity.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL INTERNET RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Magaly Aceves-Martins, Ruth L. Bates, Leone C. A. Craig, Neil Chalmers, Graham Horgan, Bram Boskamp, Baukje de Roos
Summary: This study compares the nutritional quality, greenhouse gas emissions, and cost of processed and ultra-processed foods with fresh and minimally processed foods, finding that regardless of their fat, salt, and sugar content, processed and ultra-processed foods have lower nutritional quality, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and lower costs. The most nutritious, environmentally friendly, and affordable foods are generally lower in total fat, salt, and sugar, irrespective of processing level.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Magaly Aceves-Martins, Ruth L. Bates, Leone C. A. Craig, Neil Chalmers, Graham Horgan, Bram Boskamp, Baukje de Roos
Summary: This study analyzed the nutritional quality, environmental impact, and price of different foods and compared them with the United Kingdom dietary recommendations. The results showed variations in nutritional quality, greenhouse gas emissions, and price among different food categories, providing consumers with opportunities for healthier, lower emission, and more affordable food swaps.
FRONTIERS IN NUTRITION
(2022)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Sofus C. Larsen, Ruairi O'Driscoll, Graham Horgan, Marie-Louise K. Mikkelsen, Ina O. Specht, Jeanett F. Rohde, Jake Turicchi, Ines Santos, Jorge Encantado, Cristiana Duarte, Leigh C. Ward, Antonio L. Palmeira, R. James Stubbs, Berit L. Heitmann
Summary: This study explored the associations between substituting sedentary time with sleep or physical activity and weight-loss maintenance. It found that during the early stages of weight-loss maintenance, substituting sedentary behavior with moderate-to-vigorous physical activity can prevent an increase in body fat percentage. However, sedentary behavior had little or no influence on subsequent weight-loss maintenance.
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Hilal Khan, David T. Gamble, Amelia Rudd, Alice M. Mezincescu, Hassan Abbas, Awsan Noman, Andrew Stewart, Graham Horgan, Rajeev Krishnadas, Christopher Williams, Gordon D. Waiter, Dana K. Dawson
Summary: The study examined the brain structure and function of takotsubo syndrome patients using magnetic resonance imaging. It found that these patients had smaller gray and white matter volumes, but increased cortical thickness. Additionally, there were bidirectional changes in functional connectivity related to emotion, language, reasoning, perception, and autonomic control.
JACC-HEART FAILURE
(2023)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Antonio L. Palmeira, David Sanchez-Oliva, Jorge Encantado, Marta M. Marques, Ines Santos, Cristiana Duarte, Marcela Matos, Sofus C. Larsen, Graham Horgan, Pedro J. Teixeira, Berit L. Heitmann, R. James Stubbs
Summary: This study examined the reciprocal effects between psychosocial variables (needs satisfaction, eating regulation, self-efficacy) and weight over 12 months. The findings suggest that weight decrease, needs satisfaction, and self-efficacy may lead to Weight Management Cycles, providing sustained prevention of weight regain during long-term weight regain prevention.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY
(2023)
Letter
Nutrition & Dietetics
Eric Robinson, Graham Horgan, James Stubbs
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL NUTRITION
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Marietta Sayegh, Qian Qian Ni, Viren Ranawana, Vassilios Raikos, Nicholas J. Hayward, Helen E. Hayes, Gary Duncan, Louise Cantlay, Freda Farquharson, Michael Solvang, Graham W. Horgan, Petra Louis, Wendy R. Russell, Miriam Clegg, Frank Thies, Madalina Neacsu
Summary: Only a small percentage of UK adults meet the daily recommendation for dietary fiber. Bean hull fortified bread was created to increase the intake of dietary fiber while reducing waste. This study found that bean hull rolls provide a high amount of dietary fiber but have poor systemic bioavailability, suggesting further processing is needed to improve their effectiveness.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF NUTRITION
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Michael Solvang, Freda M. Farquharson, Dayan Sanhueza, Graham Horgan, Wendy R. Russell, Petra Louis
Summary: This study examined the impact of different dietary fibre sources on gut microbiota growth and metabolite production. The results showed that complex fibres led to greater variation in microbiota compared to pectins. The composition of the plants, such as the levels of arabinan and galactan, were major predictors of bacterial enrichment.
ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Kirsty Luo-Yng Tay, Abdel Rahman Osman, Esyn Ee Xin Yeoh, Jasmine Luangboriboon, Jie Fei Lau, Joanne Jia An Chan, Majed Yousif, Benjamin Yi Hong Tse, Graham Horgan, David T. Gamble, Phyo Kyaw Myint
Summary: The existing systematic reviews have not fully described the differences in cardiac and renal effects between ultrafiltration and diuretics as methods of decongestion in acute decompensated heart failure. This meta-analysis aimed to investigate the impact of ultrafiltration compared to diuretics on prognostic cardiac and renal biomarkers. A total of 10 randomized trials were included in the analysis, and the results showed no significant difference between ultrafiltration and diuretics in terms of cardiac and renal biomarkers, except for short-term blood urea nitrogen which showed a statistically higher increase with ultrafiltration. Overall, ultrafiltration has a similar impact as diuretic therapy on prognostic cardiac and renal biomarkers.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Teresa Grohmann, Alan W. Walker, Wendy R. Russell, Nigel Hoggard, Xuguang Zhang, Graham Horgan, Baukje de Roos
Summary: Supplementation with bilberry and grape seed extract for 12 weeks improved blood pressure in individuals at risk of type 2 diabetes, but had no effect on blood sugar or cholesterol. Responders to the supplementation had specific bacterial strains and ability to metabolize catechin into smaller phenolic compounds.
FRONTIERS IN NUTRITION
(2023)