Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Leila Rashki Ghaleno, AliReza Alizadeh, Joel R. Drevet, Abdolhossein Shahverdi, Mojtaba Rezazadeh Valojerdi
Summary: Oxidative stress is a major cause of male infertility due to its destructive effects on sperm structures and functions. Sperm DNA is highly susceptible to oxidative damage, particularly leading to single- or double-strand DNA breaks, which is a significant issue in male infertility. While methods to detect sperm DNA fragmentation have become important diagnostic tools, there is still no clear consensus on their prognostic value.
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Nadege Bossuet, Cecile Guyonnet, Camille Chagneau, Min Tang-Fichaux, Marie Penary, Dorian Loubet, Priscilla Branchu, Eric Oswald, Jean-Philippe Nougayrede
Summary: Up to 25% of healthy human feces-derived E. coli strains carry the pks genomic island, which is responsible for synthesizing colibactin, a genotoxic compound implicated in colorectal cancer. However, the expression conditions of colibactin in the gut remain poorly understood. In this study, it is demonstrated that colibactin production is highest under anoxic conditions and decreases with increased oxygen concentration. The positive regulation of colibactin production and genotoxicity by the aerobic respiration control (ArcA) in response to oxygen availability suggests that the pks biosynthetic pathway is adapted for the anoxic intestinal lumen and hypoxic infected or tumor tissue.
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Weijian Zhu, Lei Jiang, Chengshuang Pan, Junhui Sun, Xuefeng Huang, Wuhua Ni
Summary: The study evaluated DNA methylation patterns in sperm from men with differential levels of sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI). The results showed that high DFI in male sperm was associated with significantly altered methylation in specific CpG fragments corresponding to nine genes. This suggests that sperm DNA damage may influence DNA methylation patterns in human sperm.
FERTILITY AND STERILITY
(2021)
Article
Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Applications
Si-Yu Kong, Jian-Sheng Fan, Yu-Fei Liu, Xiao-Chen Wei, Xiao-Wei Ma
Summary: This paper proposes a new method based on dual-convolutional neural network (CNN), digital image processing technology, and shape context for crack assessment, achieving automated crack detection, measurement, and growth monitoring. A novel algorithm to label each crack is introduced for the first time, allowing for sequential order reflection of crack occurrences.
COMPUTER-AIDED CIVIL AND INFRASTRUCTURE ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Jana Rychtarova, Alena Langerova, Helena Fulka, Pasqualino Loi, Michal Benc, Josef Fulka
Summary: The long-term storage of biological material is crucial for various fields, and a simple approach for evaluating sperm DNA damage level has been proposed to address the issue of limited frozen biological material quantities.
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Weijian Zhu, Lei Jiang, Yan Li, Junhui Sun, Chunchun Lin, Xuefeng Huang, Wuhua Ni
Summary: This study identified a cluster of comethylated patterns associated with sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) and found that BRCA1 may be the hub gene involved in sperm DNA damage.
FERTILITY AND STERILITY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Bei Yan, Heng Fan, Hanxu Ji, Siqi Li, Hao Hu, Xiuli Gu, Shaotong Jia, Ying Liu, Jing Guo, Zhongzheng Yang, Lili Zhou, Xianjin Xiao, Longjie Li, Zenghui Mao
Summary: A detection system based on terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase and DNA strand displacement fluorescent probe was developed to quantitatively detect breakpoints at the DNA molecular level. The system showed reasonable correlation and better prediction efficiency compared to the widely accepted SCSA method, and its applicability was proven in assisted reproductive technology procedures.
ANALYTICA CHIMICA ACTA
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Donald H. Atha, Vytas Reipa
Summary: This report describes several methods that could be considered for the production of reference materials for the quantitative measurement of DNA damage in mammalian cells. The focus is on potentially useful methods for assessing DNA damage, particularly DNA strand breaks, in mammalian cells. The advantages, limitations, and concerns with respect to reference material development are discussed. In conclusion, strategies for developing candidate DNA damage reference materials are outlined for adoption by research laboratories in various applications.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Medical Laboratory Technology
Ze Zhou, Suk Hang Cheng, Spencer C. Ding, Macy M. S. Heung, Tingting Xie, Timothy H. T. Cheng, W. K. Jacky Lam, Wenlei Peng, Jeremy Y. C. Teoh, Peter K. F. Chiu, Chi-Fai Ng, Peiyong Jiang, K. C. Allen Chan, Rossa W. K. Chiu, Y. M. Dennis Lo
Summary: The study reveals that urinary cfDNA has jagged ends, with a higher index compared to plasma DNA, particularly in patients with bladder cancer showing lower jagged end indexes. This suggests that jagged ends of urinary DNA could potentially serve as a new biomarker for bladder cancer detection.
CLINICAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Tse-En Wang, Chun-I. Lee, Chun-Chia Huang, Hui-Mei Tsao, Hui-Chen Chang, Li-Sheng Chang, T. Arthur Chang, Maw-Sheng Lee, Cheng-Teng Hsu
Summary: The study developed a rapid diagnostic method, SDFR, for DSBs and found that DSBs can predict embryonic aneuploidy. SDFR showed high sensitivity and specificity for evaluating DSBs, with potential implications for predictive healthcare in reproductive medicine.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Review
Andrology
Rafael F. Ambar, Ashok Agarwal, Ahmad Majzoub, Sarah Vij, Nicholas N. Tadros, Chak Lam Cho, Neel Parekh, Edson Jr Jr Borges, Sidney Glina
Summary: The introduction of ICSI has addressed limitations in human reproduction related to male and female infertility, but the live-birth rate has not surpassed 30%. Advanced sperm function analysis, particularly regarding sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF), has become a focus for improving assisted reproduction outcomes. Studies have shown that using testicular sperm with lower SDF levels may lead to better ICSI results, especially in non-azoospermic males with high SDF levels.
WORLD JOURNAL OF MENS HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Junling Fan, Yanguang Zhao
Summary: This paper aims to utilize quantitative thermography for fatigue damage assessment and life prediction of welded components. A nonlinear damage accumulation model is developed based on energy dissipation during fatigue process, and experiments validate its applicability. Relationships between fatigue damage variables, cycle numbers, and accumulated energy dissipation are discussed, showing the potential of the developed approach for fatigue damage accumulation and residual life evaluation of materials.
MECHANICS OF MATERIALS
(2022)
Review
Developmental Biology
H. Newman, S. Catt, B. Vining, B. Vollenhoven, F. Horta
Summary: This systematic review explores the maternal mechanisms involved in responding and repairing sperm DNA damage during early embryonic development. The evidence suggests that the early embryo has the ability to repair DNA damage within sperm through maternally driven mechanisms, though this capacity may decline with age. Understanding these mechanisms could have important clinical implications for improving fertility outcomes and developing targeted therapies.
MOLECULAR HUMAN REPRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xing Chen, Zhongqi Wang, En Yang, Jianping Li
Summary: The study addresses the current challenges in measuring the concentration of explosive dispersal and introduces a new model to predict the concentration distribution of liquid and granular material dispersal, overcoming the limitations of existing models.
Article
Critical Care Medicine
Weiqing Zhang, Yanting Gu, Yujin Zhao, Jun Lian, Qian Zeng, Xiaoting Wang, Jun Wu, Qiuying Gu
Summary: This study aimed to describe the occurrence and distribution of subcutaneous edema in critically ill patients and evaluate its impact on ICU mortality. The FLUID protocol was found to be more effective than the pitting test in detecting and assessing the severity of edema. Subcutaneous edema exhibited gravity-dependent distribution patterns and its severity was associated with mortality.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Dimitrios N. Zisimopoulos, Electra Kalaitzopoulou, Marianna Skipitari, Polyxeni Papadea, Nikolaos T. Panagopoulos, Georgios Salahas, Christos D. Georgiou
Summary: The study introduces a new method for quantification of 2-hydroxyethidium, showcasing innovations in efficient extraction and sensitive quantification protocols. This method can be applied to most biological systems for accurate detection.
ARCHIVES OF BIOCHEMISTRY AND BIOPHYSICS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Panagiotis Svarnas, Michael Poupouzas, Konstantia Papalexopoulou, Electra Kalaitzopoulou, Marianna Skipitari, Polyxeni Papadea, Athina Varemmenou, Evangelos Giannakopoulos, Christos D. Georgiou, Stavroula Georga, Christoforos Krontiras
Summary: This work focuses on the treatment of unbuffered and buffered water using atmospheric pressure cold plasma. The activation of these liquids by plasma-induced chemistry has potential applications in various fields. The study measures various properties of the treated liquids and investigates the reactions occurring in the plasma. The experimental results are compared with previous studies in a concise review.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Polyxeni Papadea, Marianna Skipitari, Electra Kalaitzopoulou, Athina Varemmenou, Maria Spiliopoulou, Marios Papasotiriou, Evangelos Papachristou, Dimitrios Goumenos, Anny Onoufriou, Eleftheria Rosmaraki, Irene Margiolaki, Christos D. Georgiou
Summary: The present study uses simple, innovative methods to isolate, characterize, and fractionate LDL in its main components for the study of specific oxidations on them. It aims to understand the oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) status and its relation to cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk assessment. The study provides protocols for LDL isolation, purity verification, fractionation, and measurement of specific LDL component oxidative modifications, which can help in studying atherosclerosis and developing CVD prevention strategies.
FRONTIERS IN MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Katie O'Rourke, Christina Virgiliou, Georgios Theodoridis, Helen Gika, Konstantinos Grintzalis
Summary: Pharmaceuticals are considered emerging contaminants in the aquatic ecosystem due to increased use and improper disposal. These compounds have been detected in surface waters worldwide and have detrimental effects on non-target organisms. Analytical approaches for detecting pharmaceutical pollution are limited by sensitivity and coverage, but effect-based methods provide mechanistic insight. This study evaluated the acute effects of antibiotics, estrogens, and other common pharmaceutical pollutants on daphnids in freshwater ecosystems, finding distinct patterns in biological responses. Enzyme changes and metabolite up-regulation were observed following exposure to certain pharmaceuticals.
ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Surgery
Apostolos Angelis, Ioannis D. Kostakis, Konstantinos Lilimpakis, Electra Kalaitzopoulou, Polyxeni Papadea, Marianna Skipitari, Christos D. Georgiou, Costas Vagianos
Summary: This study investigated the effects of obstructive jaundice on intestinal permeability and markers of oxidative stress in blood and intestinal mucosa. The results showed that obstructive jaundice increases oxidative stress and alters liver function. These findings provide insight into the pathophysiology of obstructive jaundice.
EUROPEAN SURGICAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
N. Arul Manikandan, Ronan McCann, Dimitrios Kakavas, Keith D. Rochfort, Sithara P. Sreenilayam, Godze Alkan, Tom Stornetta, Allan Robert McGivern, Konstantinos Grintzalis, Bernd Friedrich, Greg Foley, Dermot Brabazon, Brian Freeland
Summary: Food spoilage leads to increased carbon dioxide emissions and food processing demand. This study developed anti-bacterial coatings using inkjet printing of silver nano-inks on food-grade polymer packaging, aiming to enhance food safety and reduce spoilage. Silver nanoparticles were synthesized and characterized, and all silver nanoparticles showed strong antibacterial activity against E. coli. The printed silver nano-inks on polymer reduced the bacterial cell population, and the bactericidal performance was comparable to penicillin-coated polymer. Ecotoxicity testing on daphniids showed the impact on freshwater environment.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Katie O'Rourke, Beatrice Engelmann, Rolf Altenburger, Ulrike Rolle-Kampczyk, Konstantinos Grintzalis
Summary: Pharmaceutical compounds, along with pesticides, heavy metals, and personal care products, are emerging contaminants that pose a major concern for aquatic ecosystems. The presence of pharmaceuticals can affect both freshwater organisms and human health through non-target effects and contamination of drinking water sources. This study explored the molecular and phenotypic alterations of commonly found pharmaceuticals in aquatic environments in daphnids, finding changes in enzyme activities and metabolic perturbations. Chronic exposure to low concentrations of pharmaceuticals resulted in significant alterations in metabolic and physiological endpoints.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Anna Michalaki, Konstantinos Grintzalis
Summary: This study assessed the impact of two commonly prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on Daphnia magna, a species commonly found in freshwater ecosystems. It found that exposure to these drugs affected feeding behavior and key enzyme activities in the daphnids, and the effects were more pronounced in the transgenerational exposures. The study suggests that combining molecular and phenotypic markers of physiology in transgenerational studies is an effective way to understand the impact of pharmaceutical stressors.
Article
Biology
Yongda Li, David A. Collins, Konstantinos Grintzalis
Summary: The search for life on other planets relies on the detection of biosignatures of life. Many macromolecules have been suggested as potential targets, among which are proteins that are considered vital components of life. The study optimized a Bradford-based assay to quantify protein extracted from a Martian soil simulant, achieving high sensitivity and reproducibility. The method's applicability was explored, including the stability of the reagent, making it possible for future planetary exploration missions.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Anna Michalaki, Konstantinos Grintzalis
Summary: Medicinal and herbal plants are rich sources of biologically active phytochemicals, but comprehensive methods to accurately assess their composition and antioxidant properties are lacking. This study developed a multiparametric protocol with eight assays to quantify major phytochemical categories and their antioxidant potential. The protocol offers advantages of higher sensitivity and lower cost compared to commercial kits. Testing on herbal and medicinal plants demonstrated its effectiveness in characterising phytochemical composition. The modular design allows adaptation to different spectrophotometric instruments and the assays are simple to follow with minimal steps.
METHODS AND PROTOCOLS
(2023)
Article
Astronomy & Astrophysics
Christos D. Georgiou, Christopher McKay, Jean-Louis Reymond
Summary: In this study, a nearly ideal life detection instrument based on catalytic activity is proposed, which has high sensitivity but is insensitive to abiotic processes and can detect life with alternate molecular structures. The advantages of catalysis as an agnostic life detection method are demonstrated, including not requiring culturing/growing the alien life and large amplification by catalysis even in dead biomass. A hydrolytic catalysis detection instrument using chromogenic assay-based detection of various hydrolytic catalytic activities is specifically proposed, which can be used to detect activity in samples of extraterrestrial organic material from unknown life.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Konstantinos Panagiotidis, Beatrice Engelmann, Martin Krauss, Ulrike E. Rolle-Kampczyk, Rolf Altenburger, Keith D. Rochfort, Konstantinos Grintzalis
Summary: Plastic waste poses a significant threat to terrestrial, marine, and freshwater ecosystems. The ingestion of microplastic particles resulting from plastic degradation can have serious health effects on organisms. This study investigated the effect of amine and carboxy functionalized polystyrene microparticles on the physiology of daphnids. The findings suggest that these microparticles can hinder organism performance and highlight the importance of using holistic and physiological endpoints for pollution assessment.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Polyxeni Papadea, Electra Kalaitzopoulou, Marianna Skipitari, Athina Varemmenou, Marios Papasotiriou, Evangelos Papachristou, Dimitrios Goumenos, Tilman Grune, Christos D. Georgiou
Summary: Maintenance peritoneal dialysis (PD) is associated with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), assessed via LDL-C. This study measures six novel oxLDL markers in atherosclerosis-prone PD patients, chronic kidney disease patients under hemodialysis (HD) and healthy controls. The levels of all oxLDL lipid-OOH markers were significantly elevated in PD patients versus control, while the levels of cholesteryl ester-/triglyceride-/free cholesterol-OOH were significantly elevated in PD versus HD patients. The study suggests the potential prognostic value of oxLDL regarding CVD risk assessment.
Article
Biology
Yongda Li, Keith D. Rochfort, David Collins, Konstantinos Grintzalis
Summary: The study presents a comparison of optimized protocols for the quantification of DNA using common intercalator dyes, allowing for fast and accurate detection. The methods were successfully applied to DNA detection in soil samples.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Konstantinos Lilimpakis, Aidona Tsepelaki, Electra Kalaitzopoulou, Dimitrios Zisimopoulos, Polyxeni Papadea, Marianna Skipitari, Athina Varemmenou, Apostolos Aggelis, Constantine Vagianos, Constantine Constantoyannis, Christos D. Georgiou
Summary: This study investigates the progression of brain oxidative status in patients with obstructive jaundice. The results show a progressive increase in oxidative stress in different brain areas over time.
LABORATORY ANIMAL RESEARCH
(2022)
