scholarly journals Why Has Metabolomics So Far Not Managed to Efficiently Contribute to the Improvement of Assisted Reproduction Outcomes? The Answer through a Review of the Best Available Current Evidence

Diagnostics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. 1602
Author(s):  
Charalampos Siristatidis ◽  
Konstantinos Dafopoulos ◽  
Michail Papapanou ◽  
Sofoklis Stavros ◽  
Abraham Pouliakis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Assisted Reproduction ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Computing Power ◽  
Assisted Reproduction Techniques ◽  
Great Heterogeneity ◽  
Nutritional Environment ◽  
The Difference ◽  
And Function

Metabolomics emerged to give clinicians the necessary information on the competence, in terms of physiology and function, of gametes, embryos, and the endometrium towards a targeted infertility treatment, namely, assisted reproduction techniques (ART). Our minireview aims to investigate the current status of the use of metabolomics in assisted reproduction, the potential flaws in its use, and to propose specific solutions towards the improvement of ART outcomes through the use of the intervention. We used published reports assessing the role of metabolomic investigation of the endometrium, oocytes, and embryos in improving clinical outcomes in women undergoing ART. We initially found that there is no evidence to support that fertility outcomes can be improved through metabolomics profiling. In contrast, it may be helpful for understanding and appraising the nutritional environment of oocytes and embryos. The causes include the different infertility populations, the difference between animals and humans, technical limitations, and the great heterogeneity in the variables employed. Suggested steps include the standardization of variables of the method itself, the universal creation of a panel where all biomarkers are stored concerning specific infertile populations with different phenotypes or etiologies, specific bioinformatics contribution, significant computing power for data processing, and importantly, properly conducted trials.

scholarly journals Structure prediction of crystals, surfaces and nanoparticles

2020 ◽  
Vol 378 (2186) ◽  
pp. 20190600
Author(s):  
Scott M. Woodley ◽  
Graeme M. Day ◽  
R. Catlow
Keyword(s):  
Machine Learning ◽  
Energy Function ◽  
Structure Prediction ◽  
Search Algorithm ◽  
Structure And Function ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Organic Systems ◽  
And Function

We review the current techniques used in the prediction of crystal structures and their surfaces and of the structures of nanoparticles. The main classes of search algorithm and energy function are summarized, and we discuss the growing role of methods based on machine learning. We illustrate the current status of the field with examples taken from metallic, inorganic and organic systems. This article is part of a discussion meeting issue ‘Dynamic in situ microscopy relating structure and function’.

scholarly journals Antihistamine therapy in pediatric practice

2018 ◽  
pp. 136-139 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. V. Tsarev
Keyword(s):  
First Generation ◽  
Allergic Diseases ◽  
Histamine Receptor ◽  
Receptor Blockers ◽  
Paediatric Practice ◽  
The Difference ◽  
And Function ◽  
First And Second Generation ◽  
Role And Function

The article considers the role of histamine in the pathogenesis of allergic diseases and other pathological conditions. The mechanisms that contribute to the development of skin itching are considered separately. The article also shows the role and function of H1-histamine receptor blockers in the treatment of allergic diseases and pseudo allergic reactions. The mechanism of action, indications, contraindications and side effects of the antihistamine therapy are presented. The article also discusses the difference in first and second-generation antihistamines and shows the possible advantages of the first-generation drugs in paediatric practice. The article presents data on the use of dimethindene maleate (Fenistil) in children’s practice, including the use for the relief of skin itching of various genesis.

scholarly journals Plasticizers and Cardiovascular Health: Role of Adipose Tissue Dysfunction

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mikyla A. Callaghan ◽  
Samuel Alatorre-Hinojosa ◽  
Liam T. Connors ◽  
Radha D. Singh ◽  
Jennifer A. Thompson
Keyword(s):  
Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
Adipose Tissue ◽  
Adverse Effects ◽  
Cardiovascular Health ◽  
The United States ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Endocrine Disrupting ◽  
And Function

Since the 1950s, the production of plastics has increased 200-fold, reaching 360 million tonnes in 2019. Plasticizers, additives that modify the flexibility and rigidity of the product, are ingested as they migrate into food and beverages. Human exposure is continuous and widespread; between 75 and 97% of urine samples contain detectable levels of bisphenols and phthalates, the most common plasticizers. Concern over the toxicity of plasticizers arose in the late 1990s, largely focused around adverse developmental and reproductive effects. More recently, many studies have demonstrated that exposure to plasticizers increases the risk for obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease (CVD). In the 2000s, many governments including Canada, the United States and European countries restricted the use of certain plasticizers in products targeted towards infants and children. Resultant consumer pressure motivated manufacturers to substitute plasticizers with analogues, which have been marketed as safe. However, data on the effects of these new substitutes are limited and data available to-date suggest that many exhibit similar properties to the chemicals they replaced. The adverse effects of plasticizers have largely been attributed to their endocrine disrupting properties, which modulate hormone signaling. Adipose tissue has been well-documented to be a target of the disrupting effects of both bisphenols and phthalates. Since adipose tissue function is a key determinant of cardiovascular health, adverse effects of plasticizers on adipocyte signaling and function may underlie their link to cardiovascular disease. Herein, we discuss the current evidence linking bisphenols and phthalates to obesity and CVD and consider how documented impacts of these plasticizers on adipocyte function may contribute to the development of CVD.

scholarly journals The serotonergic system and cognitive function

2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dubravka Švob Štrac ◽  
Nela Pivac ◽  
Dorotea Mück-Šeler
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Memory Loss ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Pharmacological Targets ◽  
Characteristic Features ◽  
Cognition Enhancement ◽  
And Function ◽  
Poor Concentration

AbstractSymptoms of cognitive dysfunction like memory loss, poor concentration, impaired learning and executive functions are characteristic features of both schizophrenia and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The neurobiological mechanisms underlying cognition in healthy subjects and neuropsychiatric patients are not completely understood. Studies have focused on serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) as one of the possible cognitionrelated biomarkers. The aim of this review is to provide a summary of the current literature on the role of the serotonergic (5-HTergic) system in cognitive function, particularly in AD and schizophrenia.The role of the 5-HTergic system in cognition is modulated by the activity and function of 5-HT receptors (5-HTR) classified into seven groups, which differ in structure, action, and localization. Many 5-HTR are located in the regions linked to various cognitive processes. Preclinical studies using animal models of learning and memory, as well as clinicalThe current evidence implies that reduced 5-HT neurotransmission negatively influences cognitive functions and that normalization of 5-HT activity may have beneficial effects, suggesting that 5-HT and 5-HTR represent important pharmacological targets for cognition enhancement and restoration of impaired cognitive performance in neuropsychiatric disorders.

scholarly journals The Role of MEMS in In-Vitro-Fertilization

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
I. D. Wijegunawardana ◽  
Y. W. R. Amarasinghe
Keyword(s):  
In Vitro Fertilization ◽  
Assisted Reproduction ◽  
Success Rates ◽  
Assisted Reproduction Techniques ◽  
Vitro Fertilization ◽  
Viable Solution ◽  
Micro Electromechanical System ◽  
Experienced Individual

The assisted reproduction has been considered a viable solution for the infertility of humankind for more than four decades. In-Vitro-Fertilization (IVF) is one of the most successful assisted reproduction techniques, where the reproductive cell of the female partner is fertilized outside of her body. Initially, the IVF process has been conducted manually by an experienced embryologist. However, even with a highly experienced individual, the operation had extremely lower success rates due to the limited control in environmental conditions and the requirement of precise movements. Therefore, to address this technological deficit, the feasibility of the mechatronics devices for IVF procedures has been investigated. Among the different mechatronics concepts, micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) technologies have been gradually attracted to the IVF process and improved its capabilities. The purpose of this paper is to present a brief overview of the role of MEMS technologies in IVF. The article classifies the MEMS technologies in IVF based on their application in order to emphasize its contribution. In addition, the article extensively discusses the state-of-the-art mechatronic techniques utilized in Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), one of the most popular techniques used in IVF. This review article expects to become extremely beneficial for the engineering researchers new to this field who seek critical information on IVF in simple terms with highlights on the possible advancements and challenges that may emerge in the future.

Microbiome and paediatric gut diseases

2021 ◽  
pp. archdischild-2020-320875
Author(s):  
Konstantinos Gerasimidis ◽  
Konstantinos Gkikas ◽  
Christopher Stewart ◽  
Esther Neelis ◽  
Vaios Svolos
Keyword(s):  
Gut Microbiome ◽  
Disease Onset ◽  
Intestinal Failure ◽  
Therapeutic Interventions ◽  
Whole Body ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Inflammatory Bowel ◽  
Irritable Bowel ◽  
And Function

In the human gut resides a vast community of microorganisms which perform critical functions for the maintenance of whole body homeostasis. Changes in the composition and function of this community, termed microbiome, are believed to provoke disease onset, including non-communicable diseases. In this review, we debate the current evidence on the role of the gut microbiome in the pathogenesis, outcomes and management of paediatric gut disease. We conclude that even though the gut microbiome is altered in paediatric inflammatory bowel disease, coeliac disease, intestinal failure, necrotising enterocolitis and irritable bowel syndrome, there are currently very few implications for unravelling disease pathogenesis or guiding clinical practice. In the future, the gut microbiome may aid in disease differential diagnosis and prediction of clinical outcomes, and comprise a target for therapeutic interventions.

scholarly journals Intestinal Barrier Function in Health and Disease—Any Role of SARS-CoV-2?

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (11) ◽  
pp. 1744
Author(s):  
Lakshya Sharma ◽  
Antonio Riva
Keyword(s):  
Intestinal Barrier ◽  
Therapeutic Strategies ◽  
Structure And Function ◽  
Intestinal Barrier Function ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Barrier Functions ◽  
Microbial Dysbiosis ◽  
Health And Disease ◽  
And Function

Alterations in the structure and function of the intestinal barrier play a role in the pathogenesis of a multitude of diseases. During the recent and ongoing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, it has become clear that the gastrointestinal system and the gut barrier may be affected by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus, and disruption of barrier functions or intestinal microbial dysbiosis may have an impact on the progression and severity of this new disease. In this review, we aim to provide an overview of current evidence on the involvement of gut alterations in human disease including COVID-19, with a prospective outlook on supportive therapeutic strategies that may be investigated to rescue intestinal barrier functions and possibly facilitate clinical improvement in these patients.

scholarly journals Clinical Significance and Biological Role of HuR in Head and Neck Carcinomas

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Georgia Levidou ◽  
Ioly Kotta-Loizou ◽  
Jason Tasoulas ◽  
Thomas Papadopoulos ◽  
Stamatios Theocharis
Keyword(s):  
Head And Neck ◽  
Clinical Significance ◽  
Biological Role ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Biological Processes ◽  
Head And Neck Carcinomas ◽  
Present Information ◽  
And Function ◽  
Hu Antigen R

Background. Hu-antigen R (HuR) is a posttranscriptional regulator of several target mRNAs, implicated in carcinogenesis. This review aims to present the current evidence regarding the biological role and potential clinical significance of HuR in head and neck carcinomas. Methods. The existing literature concerning HuR expression and function in head and neck carcinomas is critically presented and summarised. Results. HuR is expressed in the majority of the examined samples, showing higher cytoplasmic levels in malignant or premalignant cases. Moreover, HuR modulates several genes implicated in biological processes important for malignant transformation, growth, and invasiveness. HuR seems to be an adverse prognosticator in patients with OSCCs, whereas a correlation with a more aggressive phenotype is reported in several types of carcinomas. Conclusions. A consistent role of HuR in the carcinogenesis and progression of head and neck carcinomas is suggested; nevertheless, further studies are warranted to expand the present information.

scholarly journals Distinct Metagenomic Signatures in the SARS-CoV-2 Infection

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yijun Liu ◽  
Hongyang Zhang ◽  
Xiaojun Tang ◽  
Xuejun Jiang ◽  
Xiaojuan Yan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gut Microbiota ◽  
Bacterial Species ◽  
Gastrointestinal Symptoms ◽  
Microbiome Composition ◽  
Key Species ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Genome Annotations ◽  
And Function ◽  
First Time

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection can cause gastrointestinal symptoms in the patients, but the role of gut microbiota in SARS-CoV-2 infection remains unclear. Thus, in this study, we aim to investigate whether SARS-CoV-2 infection affects the composition and function of gut microbiota. In this study, we demonstrated for the first time that significant shifts in microbiome composition and function were appeared in both SARS-CoV-2-infected asymptomatic and symptomatic cases. The relative abundance of Candidatus_Saccharibacteria was significantly increased, whereas the levels of Fibrobacteres was remarkably reduced in SARS-CoV-2-infected cases. There was one bacterial species, Spirochaetes displayed the difference between patients and asymptomatic cases. On the genus level, Tyzzerella was the key species that remarkably increased in both symptomatic and asymptomatic cases. Analyses of genome annotations further revealed SARS-CoV-2 infection resulted in the significant ‘functional dysbiosis’ of gut microbiota, including metabolic pathway, regulatory pathway and biosynthesis of secondary metabolites etc. We also identified potential metagenomic markers to discriminate SARS-CoV-2-infected symptomatic and asymptomatic cases from healthy controls. These findings together suggest gut microbiota is of possible etiological and diagnostic importance for SARS-CoV-2 infection.

scholarly journals The Neglected Luteal Phase after Natural Conception: Rescue by Early Progesterone Supplementation

2019 ◽  
pp. 216-220 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tesarik J ◽  
Mendoza N ◽  
Mendoza-Tesarik R
Keyword(s):  
Assisted Reproduction ◽  
Ovarian Stimulation ◽  
Luteal Phase ◽  
Serum Progesterone ◽  
Assisted Reproduction Techniques ◽  
Vitro Fertilization ◽  
Female Partners ◽  
Progesterone Supplementation

Background: Luteal phase deficiency (LPD) was recognized as a potential cause of infertility well before the first attempts at ovarian stimulation and in vitro fertilization (IVF). However, in the subsequent IVF era, the fact that LPD is particularly frequent in the context of ovarian stimulation has driven the attention to LPD almost exclusively to stimulated cycles. Here we re-assess the role of LPD as the primary cause of infertility and suggest a possible solution.Patients and methods: This study involves 12 young couples with unexplained infertility who attended our clinic for an assisted reproduction attempt. All of the female partners had low serum progesterone concentrations on day 21 of their menstrual cycle, in spite of the presence on an apparently functional corpus luteum. The female patients underwent repeated ultrasound scans during three subsequent cycles to determine the day of spontaneous ovulation. They were counselled to have frequent sexual intercourse when the dominant follicle reached the size of >17 mm, and progesterone was administered daily, by vaginal route, in all of them beginning with the day on which ovulation had been confirmed.Results: Out of the 12 women included in this study, six became pregnant naturally during one of the three progesterone-supplemented cycles. Progesterone supplementation was discontinued progressively, based on repeated serum progesterone determinations during the early pregnancy. All of the pregnancies were singleton. One of them ended in a miscarriage, while the others went to term, resulting in the birth of five normal children.Conclusions: Our data suggest that LPD during natural ovulatory cycles may be more frequent than believed. In the present study, no other apparent causes of infertility were detected. In such cases, assisted reproduction techniques can be avoided and replaced by individualized progesterone supplementation during the early luteal phase.

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