Sperm DNA Fragmentation: Unraveling Its Imperative Impact on Male Infertility Based on Recent Evidence.

Male factors may be present in up to 50-70% of infertile couples and the prevalence of male infertility accounts for 20-30% of infertility cases. Understanding the mechanisms and causes behind male infertility remains a challenge, but new diagnostic tools such as DNA fragmentation might aid in cases where the routine semen analysis is insufficient. DNA fragmentation, which refers to damages or breaks of the genetic material of the spermatozoa, is considered one of the main causes of male infertility due to impaired functional capability of sperm.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Triggers Atrial Conduction Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is closely related to various adverse cardiovascular manifestations and increased cardiovascular risk. However, atrial fibrillation (AF) development and atrial conduction abnormalities have not been thoroughly studied in patients with PCOS. Methods: This meta-analysis (CRD42021261375) was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines.

Migration and newborn screening: time to build on the European Asylum, Integration and Migration Fund?

Purpose: The authors discuss the need for newborn screening in the context of the migration policy of the European Union, and particularly, the European Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund.

Methods: The authors searched scholarly databases (Pubmed, Scopus, Google scholar) and grey literature (LexEuropa, Policy reports) to identify original peer-reviewed research examining the migration to the European Union and the provision of healthcare to infants born to refugees and immigrant mothers. Resources in language different from English, French, German and Greek were not taken into consideration.

Early changes of the heat-shock protein 60 to 70 ratio as prediction of miscarriage in pregnancy.

Problem: To study the balance of circulating heat shock protein (HSP)60 and HSP70 in pre-term delivery.

Method Of Study: A two-stage approach was used. At first stage, we run retrospective analysis of prospective collected clinical data, and at a second stage, we studied an animal model of pre-term delivery (PTD).

Dehydroepiandrosterone-Sulfate, Insulin Resistance and Ovarian Volume Estimation in Patients With Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.

To investigate the potential association of DHEA-S with metabolic and hormonal alterations and with disorders of ovarian morphology. The present study was based on women with PCOS that attended the Gynaecological Endocrinology - Paediatric and Adolescence Endocrinology Department of our clinic. Overall, 321 patients who met the Rotterdam ESHRE/ ASRM - Sponsored criteria for the definition of PCOS were included.

The amount and duration of smoking is associated with aggravation of hormone and biochemical profile in women with PCOS.

We investigated the association between the amount and duration of smoking on biochemical, clinical parameters and the ovarian morphology in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). That was a retrospective study. These women were divided into two groups, non-smokers (217) and smokers (92).

Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) expression in placentae of women with iron deficiency anemia and β-thalassemia trait.

Objective: To investigate hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) expression in placentae of women with iron-deficiency anemia and β-thalassemia trait and to correlate the results with hematological parameters as well as with parameters associated with the outcome of pregnancy.

Methods: About 126 women who delivered in the Larissa University Hospital were divided in three groups: iron-deficiency anemia (n = 39), β-thalassemia trait carriers (n = 53) and control group (n = 34). HIF-1α expression was assessed with immunochemical assays and statistical analysis was performed with chi-squared test and ANOVA.