Review
Genetics & Heredity
Xuefeng Luo, Chongyang Yin, Yuqing Shi, Chengchao Du, Xiangcheng Pan
Summary: In this comprehensive meta-analysis, declines in semen quality were observed among young men globally, including total sperm count, sperm concentration, and progressive motile sperm. However, there was an upward trend in total motile sperm. Age, continent, income, WHO criteria, and abstinence time significantly impacted semen quality. Further studies are needed to investigate the causes of these declines.
JOURNAL OF ASSISTED REPRODUCTION AND GENETICS
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Giacomo Galdiero, Emanuele D'Anza, Cristina de Angelis, Sara Albarella, Vincenzo Peretti, Rosario Pivonello, Francesca Ciotola
Summary: Male infertility is a growing issue in both humans and animals, and understanding its causes is crucial for identifying new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. This study discovered a correlation between sperm global DNA methylation (SGDM) levels and conventional seminal parameters in dogs, suggesting SGDM could serve as a marker of testis function and spermatogenesis.
VETERINARY SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Damiano Pizzol, Carlo Foresta, Andrea Garolla, Jacopo Demurtas, Mike Trott, Alessandro Bertoldo, Lee Smith
Summary: Male fertility and semen quality have declined in recent decades, with environmental and occupational pollution potentially impacting sperm quality. It is important to further understand the effects of pollutants on human, animal, and planetary health, as sperm quality is considered a proxy for general health and pollutants have a significant impact on climate change.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zina Wen, Zhen Lei, Erpo Tian, Yiyan Wang, Ying Zhong, Ren-shan Ge
Summary: Ziram, an endocrine disruptor, can effectively inhibit sperm motility and forward motility, reduce the level of tyrosine protein kinase, and irreversibly impact sperm capacitation.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jordi Ribas-Maynou, Isabel Barranco, Maria Sorolla-Segura, Marc Llavanera, Ariadna Delgado-Bermudez, Marc Yeste
Summary: Assisted reproductive technology (ART) is an important tool for overcoming infertility, and sperm selection plays a crucial role in the success of ART treatment. Advanced sperm selection methods have been developed to improve ART outcomes and sperm quality/functionality parameters. This systematic review examined the impact of advanced sperm selection methods compared to traditional methods in infertile couples and found that advanced methods led to improved ART outcomes and beneficial effects on sperm quality/functionality parameters.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Mathematics, Applied
Vita Pylypenko, Andras Ronto
Summary: We investigate the existence of solutions in a suitable weighted space of locally absolutely continuous functions for a first-order functional differential equation with monotone non-linearities, which may have a non-integrable singularity with respect to the independent variable.
MATHEMATICAL METHODS IN THE APPLIED SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xiaolu Tang, Yuehong Shi, Xinruo Luo, Liang Liu, Jinshi Jian, Ben Bond-Lamberty, Dalei Hao, Alexander Olchev, Wenjie Zhang, Sicong Gao, Jingji Li
Summary: The study focused on belowground autotrophic respiration (RA(soil)) in global forest ecosystems from 1981 to 2017, using a Random Forest algorithm to predict spatio-temporal patterns and calculating carbon allocation to RA(soil) from photosynthesis. Results showed an increase in mean RA(soil) globally, while carbon allocation (CA(B)) decreased over time, reflecting uneven responses of forest ecosystems to environmental changes. The study provides insights into global carbon cycling and carbon flux partitioning under climate change.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Tamma Carleton, Jules Cornetet, Peter Huybers, Kyle C. Meng, Jonathan Proctor
Summary: The study found that UV radiation has a significant effect on the daily growth rates of COVID-19 cases, while temperature and humidity do not show significant cumulative effects. Simulations illustrate how seasonal changes in UV have influenced regional patterns of COVID-19 growth rates, indicating that UV has a smaller effect on disease spread compared to social distancing policies.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Lilli Bittner-Schwerda, Carolina Herrera, Sarah Wyck, Eleni Malama, Christine Wrenzycki, Heinrich Bollwein
Summary: Oxidatively stressed sperm can negatively impact embryo development when fertilizing oocytes, and the oocyte's ability to handle this damage plays a significant role in the outcome. By using Brilliant Cresyl Blue (BCB) staining to differentiate oocytes of different qualities, this study found that BCB-negative oocytes had lower embryo development rates and lower blastocyst quality when fertilized with oxidatively stressed sperm. These findings can help in selecting high-quality oocytes for assisted reproduction involving damaged sperm, while also highlighting the importance of oocyte repair and antioxidative capacity in limiting oxidative damage to the progeny.
Article
Biology
Felicien Degueldre, Serge Aron
Summary: Sperm competition is positively correlated with sperm production and viability but unrelated to sperm DNA integrity in Cataglyphis desert ants, highlighting the important role of sperm competition in shaping reproductive performance in eusocial Hymenoptera.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xinzong Zhang, Zhaoyu Fan, Qiling Wang, Xinyi Deng, Ruijun Xu, Yingxin Li, Tingting Liu, Rui Wang, Chunxiang Shi, Suli Huang, Ziquan Lv, Gongbo Chen, Yong-Gang Duan, Yuewei Liu
Summary: This study reveals an association between ambient temperature and semen quality in South China, with higher temperatures leading to a reduction in semen quality. The findings indicate that a 5-degree Celsius increase in temperature during the 0-90 day period before ejaculation is associated with decreased sperm concentration, total sperm number, total motility, and normal sperm morphology. Furthermore, specific critical exposure windows of 10-14 days and 70-90 days before ejaculation were identified for sperm motility, count, and morphology.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Peng Zhu, Jennifer Burney, Jinfeng Chang, Zhenong Jin, Nathaniel D. Mueller, Qinchuan Xin, Jialu Xu, Le Yu, David Makowski, Philippe Ciais
Summary: This study evaluates the global climate sensitivity of caloric yields and cropping frequency (CF). The results show a negative association between warming and both caloric yield and CF. By the 2050s, projected CF increases in cold regions will be offset by larger decreases in warm regions, resulting in a net global CF reduction. This study highlights the negative impact of warming on cropping frequency and caloric yield globally.
NATURE CLIMATE CHANGE
(2022)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Robert West, Arri Coomarasamy, Lorraine Frew, Rachel Hutton, Jackson Kirkman-Brown, Martin Lawlor, Sheena Lewis, Riitta Partanen, Alex Payne-Dwyer, Claudia Roman-Montanana, Forough Torabi, Sofia Tsagdi, David Miller
Summary: What effects did treatment using hyaluronic acid (HA) binding/selection prior to ICSI have on clinical outcomes in the Hyaluronic Acid Binding sperm Selection (HABSelect) clinical trial? Older women randomized to the trial's experimental arm (selection of sperm bound to immobilized (solid-state) HA) had the same live birth rates as younger women, most likely a result of better avoidance of sperm with damaged DNA. Recent randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the efficacy of HA-based sperm selection prior to ICSI, including HABSelect, have consistently reported reductions in the numbers of miscarriages among couples randomized to the intervention, suggesting a pathological sperm-mediated factor mitigated by prior HA-binding/selection. The mechanism of that protection is unknown.
HUMAN REPRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Fahad Al-Yahyaey, Cyril Stephen, Yasir Al-Shukaili, Samir Al-Bulushi, Ihab Shaat, Russell Bush
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the impact of Spirulina platensis supplementation on the reproductive characteristics of Sahrawi and Jabbali bucks. The findings demonstrated that the addition of Spirulina platensis had a notable positive effect on reproductive parameters, offering valuable insights for livestock management practices.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jingjing Niu, Xuliang Wang, Pingping Liu, Huaxiang Liu, Rui Li, Ziyi Li, Yan He, Jie Qi
Summary: This study investigated the cryopreservation of black rockfish sperm by optimizing the cryodiluent and exploring the molecular mechanisms of cryoinjuries through transcriptome and methylome analysis. The results provided insights into improving the cryopreservation method of black rockfish by identifying key genes and pathways affected by cryopreservation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Substance Abuse
Fayaz Ahmad, Zohaib Khan, Kamran Siddiqi, Muhammad Naseem Khan, Zeeshan Kibria, Sarah Forberger, Linda Bauld, Mona Kanaan, Hajo Zeeb
Summary: This study in Pakistan found poor awareness and compliance among naswar vendors with tobacco control laws, particularly in relation to bans on sales to/by minors and promotions. While vendors with higher education levels were more aware of tobacco control policies, violations were still common.
Correction
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Adrienne F. G. Alayli, Christine Witte, Wolfgang Hass, Hajo Zeeb, Thomas L. Heise, Jens Hupfeld
BUNDESGESUNDHEITSBLATT-GESUNDHEITSFORSCHUNG-GESUNDHEITSSCHUTZ
(2022)
Review
Health Care Sciences & Services
Karolina Lobczowska, Anna Banik, Katarzyna Brukalo, Sarah Forberger, Thomas Kubiak, Piotr Romaniuk, Marie Scheidmeir, Daniel A. Scheller, Juergen M. Steinacker, Janine Wendt, Katarzyna Wieczorowska-Tobis, Marleen P. M. Bekker, Hajo Zeeb, Aleksandra Luszczynska
Summary: This study conducted a meta-review of 25 systematic scoping or realist reviews and 17 stakeholder documents to identify determinants of policies promoting healthy diet, physical activity, and sedentary behavior. Seven determinants were supported by 66.7-76.2% of reviews/stakeholder documents, including cost, networking, external policies, structural characteristics, implementation climate, readiness for implementation, and knowledge/beliefs.
IMPLEMENTATION SCIENCE
(2022)
Review
Health Policy & Services
Sarah Forberger, Lucia Reisch, Biljana Meshkovska, Karolina Lobczowska, Daniel Alexander Scheller, Janine Wendt, Lara Christianson, Jennifer Frense, Jurgen Michael Steinacker, Aleksandra Luszczynska, Hajo Zeeb
Summary: Taxing sugar-sweetened beverages is seen as beneficial for governments, but the implementation processes are not well studied. This research identified a gap in understanding the implementation of SSB taxation and suggested the need for further research in this area. Limited data indicated that political and public support may influence the implementation process, but more research is needed to determine the effectiveness of this policy.
HEALTH RESEARCH POLICY AND SYSTEMS
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Kaja Rahu, Mati Rahu, Hajo Zeeb, Anssi Auvinen, Evelyn Bromet, John D. D. Boice Jr
Summary: Mortality among Estonian cleanup workers in the Chernobyl area from 1986 to 2020 was studied. The all-cause standardized mortality ratio (SMR) was 1.04 and all-cancer mortality was elevated (SMR 1.16), with radiation-related cancers in excess (SMR 1.20). However, the excesses could be attributed to tobacco and alcohol consumption. Longer stays in the Chernobyl area, non-Estonian ethnicity, and lower education were associated with increased mortality risks. Suicide mortality was also increased, particularly among men with lower education.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Stefan Rach, Lisa Kuehne, Hajo Zeeb, Wolfgang Ahrens, Ulrike Haug, Hermann Pohlabeln
Summary: This study found that even a mild case of COVID-19 can lead to post-COVID-19 condition, characterized by symptoms such as fatigue, breathing difficulties, and cognitive problems. Females and individuals with initial symptoms including fatigue, breathing difficulties, and cognitive problems are more likely to experience post-COVID-19 symptoms.
ANNALS OF MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Kaja Rahu, Mati Rahu, Anssi Auvinen, Hajo Zeeb, John D. Boice Jr
Summary: From 1986 to 1991, 4831 men from Estonia were sent to clean up radioactively contaminated areas near Chernobyl. The study compared their cancer incidence rates to that of the male population of Estonia. It was found that there was an excess of radiation-related cancers combined, but not when smoking- and alcohol-related cancers were excluded. Less educated workers had a higher risk of all cancers and smoking-related cancers. An elevated risk of alcohol-related cancers was evident 15 to 24 years after return from the Chernobyl area.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CANCER
(2023)
Review
Health Care Sciences & Services
Karina Karolina De Santis, Lea Mergenthal, Lara Christianson, Annalena Busskamp, Claudia Vonstein, Hajo Zeeb
Summary: This study aimed to identify digital technologies for health promotion and disease prevention that can be independently used by older people in nonclinical settings. The findings suggest that digital technologies have great potential in improving the quality of life and health outcomes of older adults. However, further research is needed to explore how to better apply these technologies and identify factors that can enhance their health benefits.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL INTERNET RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Miriam Heinig, Wiebke Schaefer, Ingo Langner, Hajo Zeeb, Ulrike Haug
Summary: This study used a large cohort of claims data to provide new insights into longitudinal adherence to the mammography screening program and the use of mammography outside of the program in Germany. Between the ages of 50-59, 57% of eligible women participated in the German mammography screening program at least three times, while 28% never participated. Among non-participants, 15% had at least three non-screening mammographies during this period, indicating potential gray screening. Participants were more likely to use other preventive measures compared to non-participants.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Karla Romero Starke, Melanie Schubert, Pauline Kaboth, Julia Gerlach, Janice Hegewald, Matthias Reusche, Dieter Friedemann, Andrea Zuelke, Steffi G. Riedel-Heller, Hajo Zeeb, Andreas Seidler
Summary: Noise annoyance is a significant issue in Europe, and this study aimed to investigate the impact of road, railway, and aircraft noise on high annoyance. The results showed that aircraft noise had the highest risk, followed by road and railway noise. Compared to the WHO review, aircraft noise had a higher proportion of highly annoyed individuals. These findings are important for public policy-making, and regular updates of exposure-response relationships are recommended.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Berit Brandes, Louisa Sell, Christoph Buck, Heide Busse, Hajo Zeeb, Mirko Brandes
Summary: This study tested the feasibility of the ACTIPROS toolbox, which provides twelve evidence-based PA interventions that can be selected according to the needs. At least one intervention from the toolbox was successfully implemented in the participating schools, and unsuitable interventions were replaced in a timely manner. Results showed that the ACTIPROS toolbox was associated with an increase in physical activity, but further testing is needed in a larger sample.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BEHAVIORAL NUTRITION AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
(2023)
Article
Nursing
Joachim Beckert, Hajo Zeeb, Karina Karolina De Santis
Summary: This study adapted and evaluated the Disaster Preparedness Evaluation Tool (DPET) for the nursing context in Germany. The findings suggest that DPET-GER has acceptable psychometric properties, but low content validity indicates the need for further adaptation.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Rieke Alpers, Lisa Kuehne, Hong-Phuc Truong, Hajo Zeeb, Max Westphal, Sonja Jaeckle
Summary: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the EsteR project implemented statistical models as decision support tools to assist local health authorities in managing and reporting cases. This study aimed to validate the EsteR toolkit by conducting sensitivity analysis on the model parameters and evaluating the usability of the web application through user feedback.
JMIR FORMATIVE RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Health Policy & Services
Saskia Muellmann, Dirk Gansefort, Hajo Zeeb, Tilman Brand
Summary: This study evaluates the lasting effect of community-based capacity building for physical activity among the elderly on community readiness. The findings suggest that implementing capacity building and a local physical activity action plan for older adults did not significantly increase community readiness scores in the intervention communities. However, the process evaluation highlights several factors that facilitate successful cooperation with community stakeholders, including building on existing networks, using a structured approach, providing financial support, and linking activities to existing community events.
HEALTH PROMOTION INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Review
Substance Abuse
Sarah Forberger, Z. Khan, F. Ahmad, F. Ahmed, J. Frense, T. Kampfmann, S. Ullah, O. Dogar, K. Siddiqi, H. Zeeb
Summary: This scoping review summarizes studies on public policies regulating smokeless tobacco and finds significant gaps in evaluation research that need to be addressed for a better understanding of the outcomes.
NICOTINE & TOBACCO RESEARCH
(2022)