Review
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Gerhard van der Horst
Summary: Quantitative evaluation of sperm quality using modern technologies such as computer-aided sperm analysis is crucial in understanding sperm functionality and assisting in the propagation of wildlife species.
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
R. A. Ogle, J. Netherton, E. Schneider, T. Velkov, H. Zhang, N. Cole, L. Hetherington, A. I. S. B. Villaverde, M. A. Baker
Summary: While density gradient separation has improved the overall sperm population, there is still a large degree of nuclear heterogeneity within these high-density purified human spermatozoa typically used for IVF purposes. This heterogeneity may lead to poor embryo outcomes even in morphologically normal sperm cells selected by embryologists based on sperm morphology.
HUMAN REPRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Banafsheh Golchoubian, Andreas Brunner, Helena Bragulat-Teixidor, Annett Neuner, Busra A. Akarlar, Nurhan Ozlu, Anne-Lore Schlaitz
Summary: Nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) are channels within the nuclear envelope that mediate nucleocytoplasmic transport, forming through a coordination of protein complex assembly and membrane deformation. REEP4 plays an important role in NPC formation during mitosis, being recruited by the NPC biogenesis factor ELYS. Their cooperation may provide high-curvature ER membrane to the nascent NPC.
JOURNAL OF CELL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Burcu Esin, Melih Akar, Merve Deniz Tagrikulu, Cumali Kaya, Mesut Cevik
Summary: The study aimed to observe the effects of different thawing methods on semen parameters. The results showed significant differences in sperm plasma membrane integrity, head defect, and total abnormal sperm morphology between the slow thawing and fast-thawing groups. The chromatin decondensation rate was also significantly higher in the slow thawing group compared to the fast-thawing group.
KAFKAS UNIVERSITESI VETERINER FAKULTESI DERGISI
(2022)
Article
Biophysics
Khadka B. Chhetri, Yun Hee Jang, Yves Lansac, Prabal K. Maiti
Summary: Phosphorylation of protamine-like cationic peptides reduces their binding efficiency with DNA duplexes, leading to less efficient DNA condensation. Phosphorylated protamines are speculated to easily intrude into chromatin and disrupt histone-histone and histone-DNA binding during spermatogenesis.
BIOPHYSICAL JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Ruifang Li, Sara A. Grimm, Paul A. Wade
Summary: This study developed a low-input ATAC&mRNA-seq method for simultaneous analysis of chromatin structure and gene regulation in thousands of cells, providing high-quality data. Integrative data analysis showed that this dual-omics approach can accurately and reliably generate two types of data, analyzing the association between promoter accessibility and gene expression.
CELL REPORTS METHODS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Gelsomina Carbone, Gennaro Lettieri, Carmela Marinaro, Martina Costabile, Rosaria Notariale, Anna Rita Bianchi, Anna De Maio, Marina Piscopo
Summary: This study investigated the molecular mechanisms of nickel-induced effects on sperm chromatin and protamine-like proteins (PLs) in Mytilus galloprovincialis. The results showed that exposure to nickel led to changes in PLs' electrophoretic behavior and DNA binding ability, with the severity increasing with higher nickel accumulation. Additionally, there was an increase in PARP expression, especially at low doses of nickel exposure.
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Karim Arafah, Fabrice Lopez, Caroline Cazin, Zine-Eddine Kherraf, Virginie Tassistro, Anderson Loundou, Christophe Arnoult, Nicolas Thierry-Mieg, Philippe Bulet, Marie-Roberte Guichaoua, Pierre F. Ray
Summary: A new gene, NUP210L, was discovered to play a crucial role in sperm formation, with its absence potentially leading to abnormal sperm DNA compaction and infertility. Further investigation is needed to understand the complex mechanisms essential for sperm compaction.
HUMAN REPRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Junbo Zhang, Guoqiang Ding, Yu Jin, Lisha Wei, Xianqing Li, Duanyang Wang, Yulei Zhu, Yongwang Li
Summary: In this study, a highly active and stable Cu/SiO2 nanocatalyst was designed and prepared through a two-step method. The catalyst showed a significantly improved yield of 2-methylfuran in the upgrading process of biomass. The enhanced CuOx-SiO2 interaction in the catalyst resulted in higher Cu+ abundance and thermal stability of the active sites.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Claudia Moriello, Martina Costabile, Michele Spinelli, Angela Amoresano, Giancarlo Palumbo, Ferdinando Febbraio, Marina Piscopo
Summary: In this study, the effect of Cr(VI) exposure on the reproductive health of Mytilus galloprovincialis was evaluated. It was found that exposure to 1 nM Cr(VI) resulted in reduced binding and protective abilities of Protamine-like proteins and alterations in gene expression.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Kai Zhu, Xinqin Cai, Yuhui Luo, Botao Liu, Qingyu Zhang, Tongtong Hu, Zunzheng Liu, Haiying Wu, Dongen Zhang
Summary: A flower-like CePO4 material with a hierarchical structure was prepared by hydrothermal method. It shows high selectivity in the detection of dopamine, uric acid, and acetaminophen. The different electrostatic and hydrogen bonding interactions between the material and the detected substances enable accurate identification. It also exhibits wide linear ranges, low detection limits, and high stability, making it suitable for real sample detection.
NEW JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Sanja Bosnar, Vladislav Rac, Dusan Stosic, Arnaud Travert, Georgeta Postole, Aline Auroux, Sreco Skapin, Ljiljana Damjanovic-Vasilic, Josip Bronic, Xuesen Du, Smilja Markovic, Vladimir Pavlovic, Vesna Rakic
Summary: The dual templating approach attempted to synthesize hierarchical ZSM-5 zeolite using CTAB, resulting in phase separation in most synthesis routes, but a specific combination led to the formation of a homogeneous hierarchical ZSM-5 with flower-like morphology, possessing significant microporous and highly developed mesoporous surface.
MICROPOROUS AND MESOPOROUS MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yong Cheng, Raina M. Borum, Alex E. Clark, Zhicheng Jin, Colman Moore, Pavla Fajtova, Anthony J. O'Donoghue, Aaron F. Carlin, Jesse Jokerst
Summary: Researchers have developed a dual-color probe for the simultaneous detection of the main protease (MPpro) and papain-like protease (PLpro) of SARS-CoV-2. This probe produces fluorescence from two different fluorophores, which can be used for rapid screening of antiviral inhibitors.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Kexin Huang, Zhongyun Yang, Ling Liu, Xue Yang, Youjun Fan, Miaolan Sun, Chengzhou Liu, Wei Chen, Jun Yang
Summary: A dual ligand coordination strategy was proposed to prepare potent non-noble metal electrocatalysts with superior oxygen reduction reaction activity. The catalyst showed excellent performance with high half wave potential, better stability, and potential application in metal-air batteries and fuel cells.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Jiaqi Yin, Yiyong Yan, Kezhuo Zhang, Hui Fu, Min Lu, Hai Zhu, Daixian Wei, Juan Peng, Weihua Lai
Summary: To ensure food safety, a sensitive and rapid method for the detection of paclobutrazol (PBZ) and carbofuran (CAR) in fruits and vegetables was developed. The method involved the use of highly sensitive PBZ and CAR monoclonal antibodies and a novel dual-color immunochromatographic assay. The assay demonstrated high sensitivity, accuracy, and speed for the simultaneous detection of PBZ and CAR in real samples.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maria Soares, Maria M. Pinto, Rui Jorge Nobre, Luis Pereira de Almeida, Maria da Graca Rasteiro, Teresa Almeida-Santos, Joao Ramalho-Santos, Ana Paula Sousa
Summary: This study compared the efficacy and purity of two methods for isolating extracellular vesicles (EVs): size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) and ultracentrifugation (UC). The results showed that UC yielded a significantly higher number of EVs, while SEC produced purer EVs.
Article
Cell Biology
Ana Branco, Ines Moniz, Jao Ramalho-Santos
Summary: Research has shown that the decline in stem cell function and mitochondria dysfunction are linked, contributing to organismal aging. Targeting mitochondria is seen as a potential intervention to prevent stem cell dysfunction and slow down the aging process.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CELL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Medicine, General & Internal
Joao Ramalho-Santos
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION
(2023)
Editorial Material
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Joao Ramalho-Santos
Article
Polymer Science
Patricia Pereira, Ana S. Neto, Ana S. Rodrigues, Ines Barros, Catarina Miranda, Joao Ramalho-Santos, Luis Pereira de Almeida, Jose M. F. Ferreira, Jorge F. J. Coelho, Ana C. Fonseca
Summary: This study investigates the osteogenic differentiation of hUC-MSCs on BCP scaffolds derived from cuttlefish bone doped with metal ions and coated with polymers. The most promising composition was found to be the BCP scaffold doped with Sr2+, Mg2+, and Zn2+ (BCP-6Sr2Mg2Zn). PEU-coated scaffolds provided a suitable environment for hUC-MSCs to proliferate, adhere to scaffold surfaces, and enhance their differentiation capabilities without negative effects on cell proliferation under in vitro conditions.
Article
Communication
Mireia Alemany-Pages, Rui Tavares, Anabela Marisa Azul, Joao Ramalho-Santos
Summary: Based on previous work, a comic titled "A healthy liver will always deliver!" was developed to raise awareness about Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) and promote healthy lifestyles. An online pre-post questionnaire design showed that the comic's narrative increased health-threat beliefs, response efficacy and self-efficacy beliefs, as well as normative and control beliefs regarding preventive strategies involving healthy diets and active lifestyles among the general public, particularly women. However, further research is needed to determine its effectiveness in terms of knowledge acquisition and behavior changes, especially in at-risk populations.
HEALTH COMMUNICATION
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Ana Filipa Ferreira, Maria Soares, Teresa Almeida-Santos, Joao Ramalho-Santos, Ana Paula Sousa
Summary: The follicular microenvironment plays a crucial role in oocyte competence, and both nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation processes are affected by female aging. Advanced maternal age is associated with decreased oocyte quality and lower chances of pregnancy and live birth. Mitochondrial dysfunction is a key factor that contributes to these age-related changes, leading to oxidative stress, nuclear and mitochondrial damage, energy deficiency, calcium disturbance, and meiotic spindle alterations. Understanding the mechanisms behind the decline in oocyte quality can help identify biomarkers and develop anti-aging therapies.
WIRES MECHANISMS OF DISEASE
(2023)
Article
Andrology
Freitas-Martins Artur, Sousa Maria Ines, Cristo Maria Ines, Ramalho-Santos Joao, Amaral Sandra
Summary: The increasing prevalence of male infertility worldwide, coupled with unexplained causes in half of the cases, calls for a better understanding of the disease and the development of improved diagnostic tools. Examining the metabolism of sperm cells, which is closely linked to their functionality, shows promise in this regard. This study obtained metabolic data on human sperm cells using the Seahorse flux analyzer, revealing insights into their oxidative and glycolytic metabolism.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rita I. Pacheco, Maria I. Cristo, Sandra I. Anjo, Andreia F. Silva, Maria Ines Sousa, Renata S. Tavares, Ana Paula Sousa, Teresa Almeida Santos, Mariana Moura-Ramos, Francisco Caramelo, Bruno Manadas, Joao Ramalho-Santos, Sandra Gomes Amaral
Summary: The global trend of rising (male) infertility is concerning. This study aimed to understand unknown origin male infertility (UOMI) by evaluating the male gamete. The study found that idiopathic (ID) patients had the worst sperm functional profile, while unexplained male infertility (UMI) patients were similar to controls. Proteomic analysis identified several differentially expressed proteins in ID and UMI samples. SACA4 and LAMB2 were identified as potential biomarkers for distinguishing ID and UMI patients.
Article
Social Sciences, Interdisciplinary
Rui Tavares, Mireia Alemany-Pages, Sara Araujo, Neil Cohn, Joao Ramalho-Santos, Anabela Marisa Azul
Summary: Comics have been widely used as a tool for learning, teaching, understanding, and behavior change. This article introduces the research process of creating a comic about non-alcoholic fatty liver disease through drawing, emphasizing the importance of mutual collaboration and reflexivity in making visual choices.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF QUALITATIVE METHODS
(2023)
Meeting Abstract
Medicine, General & Internal
M. Alfaiate, R. A. Santos, A. P. Sousa, T. Almeida-Santos, J. Ramalho-Santos, R. S. Tavares
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION
(2023)
Meeting Abstract
Medicine, General & Internal
R. A. Santos, A. P. Sousa, T. Almeida-Santos, J. Ramalho-Santos, R. S. Tavares
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION
(2023)