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El Ansari W, Savira M, Atmoko W, Shah R, Boitrelle F, Agarwal A. The Global Andrology Forum (GAF): Structure, Roles, Functioning and Outcomes: An Online Model for Collaborative Research. World J Mens Health 2024; 42:415-428. [PMID: 37635335 PMCID: PMC10949020 DOI: 10.5534/wjmh.230101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE There are no published examples of a global online research collaborative in andrology. We describe the development, profile and member characteristics of the first consortium of this type, the Global Andrology Forum (GAF). MATERIALS AND METHODS An online survey sent to all GAF members collected demographic information (sex, age, experience, academic title, degrees, country, specialty, profession). It also tapped data on members' characteristics e.g., skills in research, software and statistics; preferred activities; time commitments; expected roles; and interest in participating in research, in GAF's scientific activities and collaborative online research. The findings were analyzed and tabulated. We outline members' demographic and professional characteristics and scientific achievements to date. A narrative approach outlined GAF's structure and functioning. RESULTS A total of 418 out of 540 members completed the survey and were included in the analysis (77.4% response rate). The sample comprised mainly urologists (34.2%) and a third of the respondents had practiced for >15 years (33.3%). Up to 86.1% of the members expressed interest in being actively engaged in writing scientific articles. A third of the sample (37.1%) could dedicate 4 to 6 hours/week. Few respondents reported skills in statistics and artwork (2.6% and 1.9% respectively). Members were assigned to specific roles based on their expertise and experiences. Collaborative working ensured the timely completion of projects while maintaining quality. For outcomes, GAF published 29 original articles within one year of its creation, with authors from 48 countries spanning topics that included varicocele, sperm DNA damage, oxidative stress, semen analysis and male infertility, oocyte/embryo, and laboratory issues of assisted reproductive technique (ART) and male infertility evaluation. CONCLUSIONS GAF is a successful global online andrology research model. A healthy number of scientific articles have been published. Given such effectiveness, adopting the GAF model could be useful for other disciplines that wish to create and coordinate successful international online research groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walid El Ansari
- Department of Surgery, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Postgraduate Medical Education, College of Medicine, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Population Health, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | - Missy Savira
- Department of Urology, Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
| | - Widi Atmoko
- Department of Urology, Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
| | - Rupin Shah
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Urology, Lilavati Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai, India
| | - Florence Boitrelle
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Fertility Preservation, Andrology, CECOS, Poissy Hospital, Poissy, France
- Department of Biology, Reproduction, Epigenetics, Environment and Development, Paris Saclay University, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Ashok Agarwal
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.
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Fu LL, Liu Y, Wang XW, Zhou F, Guo Y, Lu WH, Gu YQ. The current situation of semen analysis in China, based on a survey of 296 laboratories. Asian J Androl 2024; 26:220-221. [PMID: 37800924 PMCID: PMC10919429 DOI: 10.4103/aja202346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Long-Long Fu
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Health, Reproductive Health Research Center, National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children’s Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215025, China
| | - Xiao-Wei Wang
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Health, Reproductive Health Research Center, National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Fang Zhou
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Health, Reproductive Health Research Center, National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Ying Guo
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Health, Reproductive Health Research Center, National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Wen-Hong Lu
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Health, Reproductive Health Research Center, National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Yi-Qun Gu
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Health, Reproductive Health Research Center, National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing 100081, China
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Panner Selvam MK, Kapoor A, Baskaran S, Moharana AK, Sikka SC. A Scientometric Evaluation of COVID-19 and Male Reproductive Research. Clin Pract 2023; 13:1319-1330. [PMID: 37987419 PMCID: PMC10660474 DOI: 10.3390/clinpract13060118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic due to the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus showed acute and prolonged effects on human health. In addition, over the past four years, there has been a tremendous surge in COVID-19-related scientific publications, as shown by bibliometric and scientometric studies. However, such analysis of the scientific literature is lacking in the area of male reproduction. The current scientometric study analyzes publication characteristics of articles related to male reproduction and COVID-19 infection. We used the Scopus database to analyze scientometric data (the number of publications, journals, countries, type of documents, and subject area) related to COVID-19 and male reproductive research. Our literature search identified 345 articles related to COVID-19 and male reproductive research. Most of the articles were published in the USA (n = 72), Italy (n = 55), and China (n = 51). Such research was mainly focused around medicine (57.1%), followed by biochemistry, genetics, and molecular biology (25.7%). Also, in the area of male reproduction, only 37.1% (n = 128) of the articles contributed towards original research, whereas 52.8% (n = 182) were review articles and editorials focusing more on sexual dysfunction than infertility. Such a small number of studies published on COVID-19-related effects on male reproduction warrants a significant increase in research, which is required to decipher the mechanism(s) underlying SARS-CoV-2 infection-associated impairment of male reproductive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manesh Kumar Panner Selvam
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; (S.B.); (A.K.M.)
| | | | - Saradha Baskaran
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; (S.B.); (A.K.M.)
| | - Ajaya Kumar Moharana
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; (S.B.); (A.K.M.)
- Redox Biology & Proteomics Laboratory, Department of Zoology, School of Life Sciences, Ravenshaw University, Cuttack 753003, Odisha, India
| | - Suresh C. Sikka
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; (S.B.); (A.K.M.)
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Amjadian T, Yaghmaei P, Nasim HR, Yari K. Impact of DNA methylation of the human mesoderm-specific transcript ( MEST) on male infertility. Heliyon 2023; 9:e21099. [PMID: 37928396 PMCID: PMC10622617 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e21099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Male infertility accounts for nearly 40%-50% of all infertile cases. One of the most prevalent disorders detected in infertile men is errors in the MEST differentially methylated region (DMR), which has been correlated with poor sperm indexes. The aim of our study was to characterize the methylation pattern of the MEST gene, along with assessing seminal factors and chromatin condensation in sperm samples from both infertile patients and fertile cases, all of whom were candidates for intracytoplasmic sperm injection. We collected forty-five semen specimens from men undergoing routine spermiogram analysis at the Infertility Treatment Center. The specimens consisted of 15 samples of normospermia as the control group, 15 individuals of asthenospermia, and 15 individuals of oligoasthenoteratospermia as the cases group. Standard semen analysis and the chromatin quality and sperm maturity tests using aniline blue staining were performed. The DNA from spermatozoa was extracted and treated with a sodium bisulfite-based procedure. The methylation measure was done quantitatively at the DMRs of the MEST gene by quantitative methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (qMSP). The mean percentages of total motility, progression, and morphology in normospermia were significantly higher than oligoasthenoteratospermia and asthenospermia, and they were substantially higher in asthenospermia compared to oligoasthenoteratospermia (P ≤ 0.05). The mean percentages of histone transition abnormality and MEST methylation in oligoasthenoteratospermia were significantly higher than asthenospermia and normospermia (P ≤ 0.05). A negative correlation existed between the histone transition abnormality and MEST methylation with sperm parameters. In conclusion, chromatin integrity, sperm maturity, and MEST methylation may be considered important predictors for addressing male factor infertility. Therefore, we suggest that male infertility may be linked to methylation of the imprinted genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tayebeh Amjadian
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Parichehreh Yaghmaei
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hayati Roodbari Nasim
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kheirollah Yari
- Medical Biology Research Center, Health Technology Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
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Siddharth K, Kumar T, Zabihullah M. Interobserver Variability in Semen Analysis: Findings From a Quality Control Initiative. Cureus 2023; 15:e46388. [PMID: 37927724 PMCID: PMC10620459 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.46388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction For laboratory tests, precision and accuracy are indispensable to ensure reliable results for both clinical diagnosis and research endeavors. The accuracy and reliability of results are important because they have an impact on both patient management and research. In this study, we evaluated the inter-observer variability between a trained technician and two academic residents, which acted both as a quality control measure as well as an assessment of training outcomes. Material and methods Freshly obtained semen samples from 28 subjects coming to the andrology laboratory were used. Semen analysis was performed by a regular technician permanently posted in the laboratory and two residents on completion of their posting in the andrology laboratory. All three examined the same sample after liquefaction for assessment of sperm motility, sperm concentration, sperm vitality, and sperm morphology. Semen analysis was done as per the recommendations of the WHO. Results The results of the study are presented as a coefficient of variation (CV), S charts, and Bland-Altman plot where we evaluated the interobserver variability in parameters on semen analysis of the same sample by three different assessors. The mean CV for sperm concentration across the samples was 6.24%. For sperm vitality, sperm morphology, and sperm motility the mean CV was 10.14%, 2.66%, and 8.11%, respectively. The S chart and Bland-Altman plot found a few random errors in measurements. Conclusion Regular quality control assessments are essential and should be implemented in andrology laboratories to ensure accurate and reliable results. Proper training of laboratory personnel is also vital for consistent outcomes. Other measures such as equipment calibration, use of high-quality reagents, and standard reporting are also crucial for the best results from a laboratory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kumar Siddharth
- Physiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Patna, Patna, IND
| | - Tribhuwan Kumar
- Physiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Patna, Patna, IND
| | - Md Zabihullah
- Physiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Patna, Patna, IND
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Mohammed N, Kamel M, Gadelkareem RA, Zarzour MA, Kurkar A, Abdel-Moniem AM, Behnsawy H. Semen quality changes during infection and recovery phases of mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in reproductive-aged patients: a prospective case series. Basic Clin Androl 2023; 33:2. [PMID: 36653786 PMCID: PMC9848703 DOI: 10.1186/s12610-022-00175-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the documented effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on spermatogenesis, the reversibility of these effects is uncertain. We aimed to assess the changes of sperm quality between the infection and recovery phases of COVID-19 in reproductive-aged men. The semen quality of men with mild-to-moderated COVID-19 (defined by the degrees of symptoms and chest involvement on computed tomography) was studied during October, 2020-May, 2021 at our hospital. Two semen samples were analyzed at timings estimated to represent spermatogenic cycles during the infection and recovery phases of COVID-19. RESULTS A total of 100 patients were included with mean ± SD (range) age of 24.6 ± 3.3 (21-35) years. During infection, 33% of patients had abnormal semen quality. However, a significant reduction was found in this abnormality from 33 to 11% (P < 0.001) after recovery from infection. In a comparison of the two semen analyses, there were significant improvements in the mean values of sperm progressive motility (P =0.043) and normal morphology (P < 0.001). However, the mean sperm concentration showed a statistically insignificant increase (P = 0.844). CONCLUSIONS In reproductive-aged patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19, the effects on seminal quality were recoverable, represented by significant improvements in the means of progressive sperm motility and normal morphology between the infection and recovery phases of COVID-19. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials, NCT04595240 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasreldin Mohammed
- Assiut Urology and Nephrology Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Elgamaa Street, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Mostafa Kamel
- Assiut Urology and Nephrology Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Elgamaa Street, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Rabea Ahmed Gadelkareem
- Assiut Urology and Nephrology Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Elgamaa Street, Assiut, Egypt.
| | - Mohammed Ali Zarzour
- Assiut Urology and Nephrology Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Elgamaa Street, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Adel Kurkar
- Assiut Urology and Nephrology Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Elgamaa Street, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Mohammed Abdel-Moniem
- Assiut Urology and Nephrology Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Elgamaa Street, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Hosny Behnsawy
- Assiut Urology and Nephrology Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Elgamaa Street, Assiut, Egypt
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Diaz P, Dullea A, Chu KY, Zizzo J, Loloi J, Reddy R, Campbell K, Li PS, Ramasamy R. Future of Male Infertility Evaluation and Treatment: Brief Review of Emerging Technology. Urology 2022; 169:9-16. [PMID: 35905774 DOI: 10.1016/j.urology.2022.06.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Over the past few decades, there have been significant advances in male infertility, particularly in the development of novel diagnostic tools. Unfortunately, there remains a substantial number of patients that remain infertile despite these improvements. In this review, we take heed of the emerging technologies that will shape the future of male infertility diagnosis, evaluation and treatment. Improvement in computer-assisted semen analyses and portability allow males to obtain basic semen parameters from the comfort of their home. Additionally, breakthrough ultrasound technology allows for preoperative prediction of potential areas of spermatogenesis within the testes, high-resolution optics permits better visualization during microdissection testicular sperm extraction (mTESE), and artificial intelligence improves sperm selection and identification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parris Diaz
- University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Department of Urology, Miami, FL
| | - Alexandra Dullea
- University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Department of Urology, Miami, FL
| | - Kevin Y Chu
- University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Department of Urology, Miami, FL.
| | - John Zizzo
- University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Department of Urology, Miami, FL
| | - Justin Loloi
- Montefiore Medical Center, Department of Urology, Bronx, NY
| | - Rohit Reddy
- University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Department of Urology, Miami, FL
| | | | - Philip S Li
- Weill Cornell Medicine, Department of Urology, New York, NY
| | - Ranjith Ramasamy
- University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Department of Urology, Miami, FL
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Chaiya J, Vinayanuvattikhun N, Tanprasertkul C, Chaidarun T, Mebuathong T, Kaset C. Effect of staining methods on human sperm morphometrics using HT CASA II. J Gynecol Obstet Hum Reprod 2022; 51:102322. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jogoh.2022.102322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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