Testicular mapping-guided sperm retrieval upfront microTESE in non-obstructive azoospermia: a comparison of sperm retrieval, pregnancy and live-birth rates.

Background: Sperm extraction by Microscopic Testicular Sperm Extraction (microTESE) has become the standard of care for sperm retrieval (SR) in men with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) but is costly and has a 40-50% chance of failure. Fine needle aspiration mapping (FNAM) can be performed prior to microTESE as a predictor of success to reduce the likelihood of failure to retrieve sperm but there is limited evidence that directly compares these methods. The objective of this study was to compare success rate of SR, pregnancy, and live birth rates in men who underwent upfront microTESE versus FNAM.

Intramuscular pH monitoring before and during exercise in individuals with intermittent claudication compared to healthy controls: A feasibility study.

Objective: In this feasibility study, firstly, we aimed to assess whether intramuscular pH (IMpH) could be measured with a glass-tipped electrode. Secondly, we aimed to explore whether we could monitor changes in skeletal muscle pH before and throughout static (isometric) and after dynamic (treadmill) exercise, comparing individuals with intermittent claudication (IC) to a group of healthy controls.

Methods: Forty participants with IC (mean age ± SD) 68 ± 8) and 40 healthy volunteers (63 ± 10) were recruited.

Transcription factors form a ternary complex with NIPBL/MAU2 to localize cohesin at enhancers.

While the cohesin complex is a key player in genome architecture, how it localizes to specific chromatin sites is not understood. Recently, we and others have proposed that direct interactions with transcription factors lead to the localization of the cohesin-loader complex (NIPBL/MAU2) within enhancers. Here, we identify two clusters of LxxLL motifs within the NIPBL sequence that regulate NIPBL dynamics, interactome, and NIPBL-dependent transcriptional programs.

Sociodemographic and clinical factors associated with low muscle mass and composition in people treated with (chemo)radiotherapy for lung cancer.

Background: This study examined (1) associations between sociodemographic and clinical variables with low muscle mass and radiodensity and their loss relative to treatment commencement in patients with lung cancer; and (2) the magnitude of change in muscle mass and association with treatment outcomes and survival.

Methods: Prospective study in patients planned for curative (chemo)radiotherapy for lung cancer. Low skeletal muscle mass and radiodensity and muscle loss were determined from pre- and post-treatment computed tomography images.