F&S science最新文献

{"title":"Generation of spermatid-like cells from testicular biopsies obtained from prepubertal boys","authors":"Bang-Jin Kim Ph.D., Seung Yub Han B.S., Natalie A. Trigg Ph.D., Dasom Hwang Ph.D., Kiwon Lee Ph.D., Claire A. Carlson B.S., Junhyong Kim Ph.D., Buom-Yong Ryu Ph.D., Thomas F. Kolon M.D., Colin C. Conine Ph.D., Jill P. Ginsberg M.D., Sandra Ryeom Ph.D.","doi":"10.1016/j.xfss.2026.05.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.xfss.2026.05.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To study whether functional human spermatids can be generated from spermatogonial stem cells obtained from testicular biopsies of prepubertal boys newly diagnosed with cancer using a three-dimensional (3D) human testicular organoid system.</div></div><div>To study whether functional human spermatids can be generated from spermatogonial stem cells obtained from testicular biopsies of prepubertal boys newly diagnosed with cancer using a three-dimensional (3D) human testicular organoid system.</div><div><h3>Design</h3><div>Experimental laboratory study using a 3D human testicular organoid model incorporating Sertoli cells and endothelial cells to recreate the testes microenvironment.</div></div><div>Experimental laboratory study using a 3D human testicular organoid model incorporating Sertoli cells and endothelial cells to recreate the testes microenvironment.</div><div><h3>Subjects</h3><div>Testicular biopsy specimens obtained from prepubertal boys newly diagnosed with cancer before initiation of gonadotoxic cancer therapy for fertility preservation.</div></div><div>Testicular biopsy specimens obtained from prepubertal boys newly diagnosed with cancer before initiation of gonadotoxic cancer therapy for fertility preservation.</div><div><h3>Exposure</h3><div>Culture of prepubertal testicular tissue in a 3D human testicular organoid system with growth factors to support germ cell differentiation.</div></div><div>Culture of prepubertal testicular tissue in a 3D human testicular organoid system with growth factors to support germ cell differentiation.</div><div><h3>Main Outcome Measures</h3><div>Generation of differentiated spermatids followed by verification of postmeiotic marker expression by immunofluorescence and assessment of functional competence through fertilization assays.</div></div><div>Generation of differentiated spermatids followed by verification of postmeiotic marker expression by immunofluorescence and assessment of functional competence through fertilization assays.</div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Germ cells differentiated into round spermatid-like cells within our testicular organoid system. Immunofluorescence confirmed expression of markers consistent with postmeiotic germ cell differentiation. Functional competence was demonstrated by successful fertilization assays using mouse oocytes, indicating that the spermatid-like cells generated ex vivo could activate oocytes.</div></div><div>Germ cells differentiated into round spermatid-like cells within our testicular organoid system. Immunofluorescence confirmed expression of markers consistent with postmeiotic germ cell differentiation. Functional competence was demonstrated by successful fertilization assays using mouse oocytes, indicating that the spermatid-like cells generated ex vivo could activate oocytes.</div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Spermatid-like cells can be generated from prepubertal testicular tissue in a three-dimensional organoid culture sys","PeriodicalId":73012,"journal":{"name":"F&S science","volume":"7 5","pages":"Pages 361-370"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148044746","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Multitarget interactions of bisphenol A in polycystic ovary syndrome: evidence from integrated network toxicology, mendelian randomization, and molecular docking","authors":"Pu Yifu Ph.D., Li Chunmiao M.D.","doi":"10.1016/j.xfss.2026.06.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.xfss.2026.06.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To study the potential pathogenic mechanisms of bisphenol A (BPA) in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) using an integrative computational strategy.</div></div><div>To study the potential pathogenic mechanisms of bisphenol A (BPA) in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) using an integrative computational strategy.</div><div><h3>Design</h3><div>Integrative computational study combining network toxicology, Mendelian randomization (MR), and molecular docking.</div></div><div>Integrative computational study combining network toxicology, Mendelian randomization (MR), and molecular docking.</div><div><h3>Subjects</h3><div>For MR analysis, genetic data were sourced from large European-ancestry cohorts, including plasma protein quantitative trait loci data and genome-wide association study summary statistics for PCOS (3,045 cases and 267,780 controls).</div></div><div>For MR analysis, genetic data were sourced from large European-ancestry cohorts, including plasma protein quantitative trait loci data and genome-wide association study summary statistics for PCOS (3,045 cases and 267,780 controls).</div><div><h3>Exposure</h3><div>In silico exposure to BPA for target prediction; genetically predicted plasma protein levels for causal inference.</div></div><div>In silico exposure to BPA for target prediction; genetically predicted plasma protein levels for causal inference.</div><div><h3>Main Outcome Measures</h3><div>Identification of overlapping targets between BPA and PCOS; functional enrichment pathways; causal effects of prioritized proteins on PCOS risk (odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals); binding affinities between BPA and core targets (kcal/mol).</div></div><div>Identification of overlapping targets between BPA and PCOS; functional enrichment pathways; causal effects of prioritized proteins on PCOS risk (odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals); binding affinities between BPA and core targets (kcal/mol).</div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Network toxicology identified 310 overlapping targets between BPA and PCOS. Enrichment analyses revealed significant involvement in endocrine signaling, inflammatory pathways (eg, IL-17), and cellular processes. MR demonstrated that genetically elevated levels of RET, CXCL8, HTR6, MMP1, MMP9, NTRK1, and TNNI2 were significantly associated with increased PCOS risk, whereas higher PSAP and SHBG levels were protective. Molecular docking confirmed stable binding between BPA and all nine key targets, with strongest affinity for SHBG (−8.4 kcal/mol), followed by NTRK1, TNNI2, and RET.</div></div><div>Network toxicology identified 310 overlapping targets between BPA and PCOS. Enrichment analyses revealed significant involvement in endocrine signaling, inflammatory pathways (eg, IL-17), and cellular processes. MR demonstrated that genetically elevated levels of RET, CXCL8, HTR6, MMP1, MMP9, NTRK1, and TNNI2 were significantly associated with increased PCOS risk, whereas higher PSAP and SHBG levels","PeriodicalId":73012,"journal":{"name":"F&S science","volume":"7 5","pages":"Pages 438-454"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148371340","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Molecular and developmental integrity after trophectoderm biopsy: evidence from human and mouse models.","authors":"Blair R McCallie, Michelle M Denomme, Kerri A Bochantin-Winders, Mary E Haywood, Jason R Wilson, Keelee J McCarty, Cameron M Hebert, Jennifer M Hamm, William B Schoolcraft, Mandy G Katz-Jaffe","doi":"10.1016/j.xfss.2026.08.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.xfss.2026.08.003","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To determine whether trophectoderm (TE) biopsy performed for preimplantation genetic testing induces molecular, epigenetic, or developmental perturbations in preimplantation embryos and subsequent placental development.</p><p><strong>Design: </strong>Comparative multiomics investigation of human blastocysts combined with a murine embryo transfer model.</p><p><strong>Subjects: </strong>Surplus cryopreserved human euploid blastocysts donated for research and murine blastocysts that were either subjected to TE biopsy or no biopsy.</p><p><strong>Exposure: </strong>The impact of blastocyst-stage TE biopsy on transcriptomic, epigenomic, developmental, and/or placental outcomes.</p><p><strong>Main outcome measures: </strong>Differential gene expression, imprinting methylation, whole-genome deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) methylation of inner cell mass and TE, mitotic cell division mechanics, implantation rates, fetal and placental growth, placental methylation.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Trophectoderm biopsy was not associated with biologically meaningful molecular or epigenetic alterations in human blastocysts. Gene expression, imprinting methylation, global DNA methylation, and DNA budding/shedding were comparable between biopsied and nonbiopsied embryos. In a murine model, biopsy did not affect implantation rates, fetal or placental growth, placental methylome, or imprinting methylation status.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>A comprehensive multiomics assessment of human blastocysts, supported by developmental and placental analyses in a murine model, found no evidence that TE biopsy adversely affects early embryonic molecular regulation or subsequent developmental outcomes. These findings support using TE biopsy as a minimally invasive micromanipulation procedure.</p>","PeriodicalId":73012,"journal":{"name":"F&S science","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148876749","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Hyaluronan-enriched transfer medium increases live birth rates in biopsied euploid blastocyst transfers","authors":"Nicholas Stansbury M.D.,&nbsp;Diana Toro M.D.,&nbsp;Natalie Barnett B.S.,&nbsp;Amir Alsaidi B.S.,&nbsp;Hannah Collins B.S.,&nbsp;Jim Thompson M.D.,&nbsp;Al-Hasen Said Ph.D.,&nbsp;Michael Reed Ph.D.","doi":"10.1016/j.xfss.2026.05.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.xfss.2026.05.003","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Objective&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;To evaluate whether hyaluronan-enriched transfer medium (HETM) is associated with improved live birth rates in biopsied euploid blastocyst transfers.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;To evaluate whether hyaluronan-enriched transfer medium (HETM) is associated with improved live birth rates in biopsied euploid blastocyst transfers.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Design&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Retrospective cohort study.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Retrospective cohort study.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Subjects&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;A total of 1,221 single frozen euploid blastocyst transfers performed between January 2011 and December 2024.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;A total of 1,221 single frozen euploid blastocyst transfers performed between January 2011 and December 2024.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Exposure&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Embryo transfer using HETM compared with standard zwitterionic-buffered transfer medium. All embryos underwent trophectoderm biopsy.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Embryo transfer using HETM compared with standard zwitterionic-buffered transfer medium. All embryos underwent trophectoderm biopsy.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Main Outcome Measures&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Live birth rate. Secondary outcomes included biochemical pregnancy and clinical pregnancy rates.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Live birth rate. Secondary outcomes included biochemical pregnancy and clinical pregnancy rates.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Results&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Hyaluronan-enriched transfer medium was associated with significantly higher live birth rates compared with standard medium (59.1% vs. 43.2%; absolute difference 15.9%, 95% confidence interval 10.3%–21.5%; relative risk 1.37, 95% confidence interval 1.22–1.54). Clinical pregnancy and biochemical pregnancy rates were also significantly higher in the hyaluronan group. Sensitivity analysis restricted to first transfers per patient (n = 715) confirmed persistence of the live birth benefit (61.2% vs. 47.1%; absolute difference 14.1%, 95% confidence interval 6.9%–21.3%; relative risk 1.30, 95% confidence interval 1.13–1.49). Maternal age was comparable between groups.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Hyaluronan-enriched transfer medium was associated with significantly higher live birth rates compared with standard medium (59.1% vs. 43.2%; absolute difference 15.9%, 95% confidence interval 10.3%–21.5%; relative risk 1.37, 95% confidence interval 1.22–1.54). Clinical pregnancy and biochemical pregnancy rates were also significantly higher in the hyaluronan group. Sensitivity analysis restricted to first transfers per patient (n = 715) confirmed persistence of the live birth benefit (61.2% vs. 47.1%; absolute difference 14.1%, 95% confidence interval 6.9%–21.3%; relative risk 1.30, 95% confidence interval 1.13–1.49). Maternal age was comparable between groups.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Conclusion&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Use of HETM is associated with a clinically meaningful increase in live birth rates in biopsied euploid blastocyst transfers. Zona pellucida disruption created during trophectoderm biopsy may facilitate enhanced embryo-endometrial interaction, improving implantation efficiency. However, these ","PeriodicalId":73012,"journal":{"name":"F&S science","volume":"7 5","pages":"Pages 389-393"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147984582","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Flowing differently: exploratory characterization of menstrual effluent compared with peripheral blood","authors":"Rachel Michel M.S.P.H.,&nbsp;Ariadne Sinnis-Bourozikas B.A.,&nbsp;Valentina Vanos M.S.P.H.,&nbsp;Gregory W. Kirschen M.D., Ph.D.,&nbsp;Laura A. St Clair Ph.D.,&nbsp;Prasanthy Balasubramanian Sc.M.,&nbsp;John Skinner B.S.,&nbsp;Zachary Mulcare B.S.,&nbsp;Anna Yin M.P.H.,&nbsp;Andrew H. Karaba M.D., Ph.D.,&nbsp;Jaiprasath Sachithanandham Ph.D.,&nbsp;Malini Ramaiyer M.D.,&nbsp;Malak El. Sabeh M.D.,&nbsp;Jinxiao Liang M.D., Ph.D,&nbsp;Fiza Ali B.S.,&nbsp;Andrew Pekosz Ph.D.,&nbsp;Sabra L. Klein Ph.D.,&nbsp;Andrea L. Cox M.D., Ph.D.,&nbsp;Mostafa A. Borahay M.D., Ph.D.","doi":"10.1016/j.xfss.2026.06.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.xfss.2026.06.002","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Objective&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;To characterize the immune cell and hormonal profile of menstrual effluent compared with paired peripheral blood.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;To characterize the immune cell and hormonal profile of menstrual effluent compared with paired peripheral blood.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Design&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;This descriptive, cross-sectional study collected menstrual effluent and processed it to isolate cellular and soluble fractions; peripheral blood was processed in parallel. Steroid hormones were quantified using immunoassays, immune cell populations were assessed by multiparameter flow cytometry, and cytokines and chemokines were measured using multiplex assays.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;This descriptive, cross-sectional study collected menstrual effluent and processed it to isolate cellular and soluble fractions; peripheral blood was processed in parallel. Steroid hormones were quantified using immunoassays, immune cell populations were assessed by multiparameter flow cytometry, and cytokines and chemokines were measured using multiplex assays.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Subjects&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Menstrual effluent and peripheral blood were collected from 13 healthy participants (excluding those using NSAIDs or hormonal contraception) after informed consent.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Menstrual effluent and peripheral blood were collected from 13 healthy participants (excluding those using NSAIDs or hormonal contraception) after informed consent.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Exposure&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;None&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;None&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Main Outcome Measures&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;The immune cell and hormonal profiles of menstrual effluent and peripheral blood were the main outcome measures.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;The immune cell and hormonal profiles of menstrual effluent and peripheral blood were the main outcome measures.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Results&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Progesterone and cortisol concentrations were significantly decreased in menstrual effluent compared with peripheral blood. Menstrual effluent exhibited distinct immune and cytokine profiles, including increased plasmacytoid and myeloid dendritic cells, neutrophils, natural killer (NK) cells, and memory CD8&lt;sup&gt;+&lt;/sup&gt; T cells, alongside decreased regulatory T cells, natural killer T (NKT) cells, and multiple B cell subsets. Cytokine analysis revealed multiple elevated cytokines in menstrual effluent, even after false discovery rate correction.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Progesterone and cortisol concentrations were significantly decreased in menstrual effluent compared with peripheral blood. Menstrual effluent exhibited distinct immune and cytokine profiles, including increased plasmacytoid and myeloid dendritic cells, neutrophils, natural killer (NK) cells, and memory CD8&lt;sup&gt;+&lt;/sup&gt; T cells, alongside decreased regulatory T cells, natural killer T (NKT) cells, and multiple B cell subsets. Cytokine analysis revealed multiple elevated cytokines in menstrual effluent, even after false discovery rate correction.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Conclusions&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Menstrual effluent is immunologically and hor","PeriodicalId":73012,"journal":{"name":"F&S science","volume":"7 5","pages":"Pages 428-437"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148279799","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Testicular sperm extraction prediction for patients with nonobstructive azoospermia by Raman spectroscopy","authors":"Artem Aleksandrov M.Sc.,&nbsp;Elena Rimskaya Ph.D.,&nbsp;Alexey Gorevoy Ph.D.,&nbsp;Nataliia Lobanova M.B.B.S.,&nbsp;Nataliya Borisova Ph.D.,&nbsp;Natalia Makarova M.D.,&nbsp;Vasiliy Chernyshev Ph.D.,&nbsp;Dmitry Gorin Ph.D.,&nbsp;Gennady Sukhikh M.D.","doi":"10.1016/j.xfss.2026.05.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.xfss.2026.05.001","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Objective&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;To address the need for a noninvasive test to predict testicular sperm extraction (TESE) success for patients with nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA).&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;To address the need for a noninvasive test to predict testicular sperm extraction (TESE) success for patients with nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA).&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Design&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Retrospective case-control study.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Retrospective case-control study.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Subjects&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;A total of 20 men aged 29–50 years with NOA who underwent microdissection TESE (microTESE) procedure were divided into positive [TESE(+), N = 10] and negative [TESE(−), N = 10] categories based on the success of sperm retrieval. Seminal plasma samples were obtained before the surgery and used in the study after the microTESE outcome became known.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;A total of 20 men aged 29–50 years with NOA who underwent microdissection TESE (microTESE) procedure were divided into positive [TESE(+), N = 10] and negative [TESE(−), N = 10] categories based on the success of sperm retrieval. Seminal plasma samples were obtained before the surgery and used in the study after the microTESE outcome became known.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Exposure&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Raman spectral features of seminal plasma samples in 2,800–3,050 cm&lt;sup&gt;−1&lt;/sup&gt; wavenumber range obtained with hollow-core microstructured optical fiber (HC-MOF); nuclear magnetic resonance spectral features; reactive oxygen species (ROS) level measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Raman spectral features of seminal plasma samples in 2,800–3,050 cm&lt;sup&gt;−1&lt;/sup&gt; wavenumber range obtained with hollow-core microstructured optical fiber (HC-MOF); nuclear magnetic resonance spectral features; reactive oxygen species (ROS) level measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Main Outcome Measures&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Successive sperm extraction by the microTESE procedure.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Successive sperm extraction by the microTESE procedure.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Results&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Raman spectroscopy analysis enhanced by HC-MOF revealed characteristic spectral differences between TESE(+) and TESE(−) seminal plasma samples in 2,850, 2,875, and 2,920 cm&lt;sup&gt;−1&lt;/sup&gt; bands related to C-H stretching vibrations, which may be associated with an elevated contribution from lipids in TESE(+) samples. The diagnostic model based on principal component analysis provided 79%/68% accuracy, 0.863/0.810 receiver operating characteristic area under curve, and 77%/66% specificity with 80%/71% sensitivity (13–19/5–12 diagnostic odds ratio) on the training/test set using 5-fold 10-iteration cross-validation. The statistical significance of higher ROS levels in TESE(−) samples was not enough for robust prediction of successful TESE.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Raman spectroscopy analysis enhanced by HC-MOF revealed characteristic spectral differences between TESE(+) and TESE(−) seminal plasma samples in 2,850, 2,875, and 2,920 cm&lt;sup&gt;","PeriodicalId":73012,"journal":{"name":"F&S science","volume":"7 5","pages":"Pages 408-419"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147870654","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Integrative machine learning models to unravel gut microbial dysbiosis and functional disruption in polycystic ovary syndrome","authors":"Geetika Devi Kaliappa M.Tech.,&nbsp;Hema Palanisamy M.Sc.,&nbsp;Subramanian Vidyalakshmi Ph.D.","doi":"10.1016/j.xfss.2026.04.005","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.xfss.2026.04.005","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Objective&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;To study gut microbial diversity and metabolic pathway disruptions in women with PolyCystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) compared with healthy controls, and to evaluate the diagnostic potential of microbiome-driven machine learning models.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;To study gut microbial diversity and metabolic pathway disruptions in women with PolyCystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) compared with healthy controls, and to evaluate the diagnostic potential of microbiome-driven machine learning models.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Design&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Case-controlled metagenomic data analysis&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Case-controlled metagenomic data analysis&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Subjects&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Gut metagenomic data from women diagnosed with PCOS and age-matched healthy female controls&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Gut metagenomic data from women diagnosed with PCOS and age-matched healthy female controls&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Exposure&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Presence of PCOS&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Presence of PCOS&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Main Outcome Measures&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;The primary outcome measures will include gut microbial alpha and beta diversity indices, microbial taxon abundance, functional pathway profiles, predicted metabolite levels, microbe-functional pathway-metabolite interaction networks, and the diagnostic accuracy of microbiome-based machine learning models.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;The primary outcome measures will include gut microbial alpha and beta diversity indices, microbial taxon abundance, functional pathway profiles, predicted metabolite levels, microbe-functional pathway-metabolite interaction networks, and the diagnostic accuracy of microbiome-based machine learning models.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Results&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Alpha and beta diversity analyses revealed marked gut microbial dysbiosis in women with PCOS, despite comparable species richness to healthy controls. Differential abundance analysis identified 41 significantly altered microbial species, including enrichment of proinflammatory taxa, such as &lt;em&gt;Bacteroides vulgatus&lt;/em&gt; and &lt;em&gt;Ruminococcus gnavus&lt;/em&gt;, and depletion of beneficial commensals, including &lt;em&gt;Roseburia hominis&lt;/em&gt; and &lt;em&gt;Prevotella copri&lt;/em&gt;. These compositional shifts indicate a proinflammatory microbial community structure in PCOS. Functional profiling demonstrated the upregulation of pathways involved in nucleotide turnover, lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, and neurotransmitter synthesis, potentially contributing to metabolic and neuroendocrine disruption. Network analysis revealed fragmented and unstable microbial-metabolite associations in PCOS compared with cohesive networks in controls. Microbiome-based machine learning models achieved a diagnostic accuracy of 84.25% (area under the curve 0.93), underscoring their predictive potential.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Alpha and beta diversity analyses revealed marked gut microbial dysbiosis in women with PCOS, despite comparable species richness to healthy controls. Differential abundance analysis identified 41 significantly altered microbial species, includ","PeriodicalId":73012,"journal":{"name":"F&S science","volume":"7 5","pages":"Pages 394-407"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147847034","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Estradiol dynamics during superovulation are associated with oocyte quantity and maturation stage in cynomolgus macaques","authors":"Hyori Lee B.S.,&nbsp;Dong-Ho Lee D.V.M., Ph.D.,&nbsp;Yejin Kim M.S.,&nbsp;Yu-Jin Jo Ph.D.,&nbsp;Hyeong-Ju You Ph.D.,&nbsp;Bo-Kyeong Kim B.S.,&nbsp;Changsic Youn M.S.,&nbsp;Jeongwoo Kwon Ph.D.,&nbsp;Jun Won Mo D.V.M.,&nbsp;Ju-Yeon Lee D.V.M.,&nbsp;Byoung-Jin Park M.S.,&nbsp;Se-Yong Kim B.S.,&nbsp;Ki Jin Kim B.S.,&nbsp;Sangil Lee B.S.,&nbsp;Ji-Su Kim Ph.D.,&nbsp;Seung-Bin Yoon Ph.D.","doi":"10.1016/j.xfss.2026.06.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.xfss.2026.06.003","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Objective&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;To examine whether dynamic changes in circulating estradiol during ovarian stimulation are associated with the number and maturation status of oocytes recovered in cynomolgus macaques.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;To examine whether dynamic changes in circulating estradiol during ovarian stimulation are associated with the number and maturation status of oocytes recovered in cynomolgus macaques.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Design&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Observational study based on retrospective analysis of ovarian stimulation cycles.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Observational study based on retrospective analysis of ovarian stimulation cycles.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Subjects&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Sixty-six ovarian stimulation cycles from adult female cynomolgus macaques (&lt;em&gt;Macaca fascicularis&lt;/em&gt;) housed at the Primate Resources Center.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Sixty-six ovarian stimulation cycles from adult female cynomolgus macaques (&lt;em&gt;Macaca fascicularis&lt;/em&gt;) housed at the Primate Resources Center.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Exposure&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Animals underwent a standardized gonadotropin-based ovarian stimulation protocol. Circulating estradiol concentrations were measured at multiple time points during the late follicular phase before oocyte recovery, and estradiol dynamics were defined as the difference between the maximum and minimum values observed across these measurements.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Animals underwent a standardized gonadotropin-based ovarian stimulation protocol. Circulating estradiol concentrations were measured at multiple time points during the late follicular phase before oocyte recovery, and estradiol dynamics were defined as the difference between the maximum and minimum values observed across these measurements.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Main Outcome Measures&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Total number of oocytes recovered per stimulation cycle, number of mature oocytes at the metaphase two stage, and proportional distribution of oocyte maturation stages.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Total number of oocytes recovered per stimulation cycle, number of mature oocytes at the metaphase two stage, and proportional distribution of oocyte maturation stages.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Results&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Dynamic changes in estradiol concentrations were positively associated with the total number of oocytes recovered per cycle (correlation coefficient 0.45). A similar but weaker association was observed with the number of mature oocytes recovered (correlation coefficient 0.36). In contrast, estradiol dynamics were not associated with the proportional distribution of oocyte maturation stages. Donor age and body weight were not significantly associated with oocyte recovery outcomes.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Dynamic changes in estradiol concentrations were positively associated with the total number of oocytes recovered per cycle (correlation coefficient 0.45). A similar but weaker association was observed with the number of mature oocytes recovered (correlation coefficient 0.36). In contrast, estradiol dynamics were not associated with the proportional distribution of o","PeriodicalId":73012,"journal":{"name":"F&S science","volume":"7 5","pages":"Pages 382-388"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148371165","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Proteomic analysis of proprietary single-step preimplantation embryo culture media widely used in the United Kingdom.","authors":"Sheba Jarvis, Elizabeth Want, Annabel Rattos, Rehan Salim, Robert M L Winston","doi":"10.1016/j.xfss.2026.08.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.xfss.2026.08.002","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To study commercially available proprietary media used for human embryo culture to determine protein composition in a real-world clinic setting in United Kingdom.</p><p><strong>Design: </strong>Clinical and university-based laboratory study.</p><p><strong>Subjects: </strong>Unconditioned embryo culture media were assessed and did not involve any patients.</p><p><strong>Exposure: </strong>Unconditioned embryo culture media from four manufacturers were collected. All media were presupplemented with manufacturer protein source (typically human serum albumin or serum substitute supplement) to avoid any contamination. Different batches of 1-Step media (Sage) were also examined; these were collected directly from the bottle (Baseline) and kept in the Embryoscope culture system as a \"sham culture\" undisturbed. Sensitive data-independent acquisition liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was used in this study to record protein composition in four brands of proprietary embryo culture media using international guidelines for protein identification from Human Proteome Organisation standards.</p><p><strong>Main outcome measures: </strong>The number, identity, and relative abundance of proteins detected in proprietary embryo culture media across brands and sham-culture conditions using data-independent acquisition liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The composition of proteins and their abundance were also studied after sham culture in conditions closely resembling those during clinical embryo culture. Across the media brands, we identified many additional proteins alongside human albumin. The proteomic dataset was annotated to proteins with known biological functions, including transcription regulators and cytoskeletal proteins. In a separate sham culture of an exemplar embryo culture medium (Sage 1-Step), proteomic analysis revealed the persistence of highly abundant proteins alongside albumin across multiple batches, including samples analyzed directly from the bottle and after several days in culture. Sham-culture experiments revealed persistence of detectable abundant proteins in unconditioned media.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Proteomic analysis of commercially available unconditioned human embryo culture media identified numerous proteins alongside albumin, providing a reference atlas for interpretation of future omics-based biomarker studies. We detected proteins reliably but did not establish any biological activity in the embryo culture environment. The detected proteins may derive from the base medium, protein supplements, or manufacturing background material, and their functional relevance to embryo development remains to be determined. Greater transparency from manufacturers regarding media constituents is warranted.</p>","PeriodicalId":73012,"journal":{"name":"F&S science","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-08-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148835285","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Integrative analysis reveals multitarget associations of liquid crystal monomer in ovulatory dysfunction: insights from composite and subtype-specific Mendelian randomization.","authors":"Pu Yifu, Xie Yupei, Li Chunmiao","doi":"10.1016/j.xfss.2026.08.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.xfss.2026.08.001","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Objective: &lt;/strong&gt;To investigate the potential pathogenic mechanisms of the liquid crystal monomer 4-ethyl-2-(4-(4-ethylbenzyl) phenoxy) benzonitrile (EBCN) in ovulatory dysfunction (composite phenotype including polycystic ovary syndrome [PCOS], anovulation, and primary ovarian insufficiency [POI]) through an integrative computational strategy that combines composite and subtype-specific Mendelian randomization.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Design: &lt;/strong&gt;Integrative computational study combining network toxicology, Mendelian randomization, and molecular docking.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Subjects: &lt;/strong&gt;For Mendelian randomization analysis, genetic data were derived from large cohorts of European ancestry, including plasma protein quantitative trait loci data and genome-wide association study summary statistics for a composite ovulatory dysfunction phenotype (FinnGen finngen_R12_E4_OVARDYS, 3,045 cases and 267,780 controls), which explicitly includes PCOS (E28.2), anovulatory infertility (N97.0), POI (E28.3), and other related diagnoses. Subtype-specific analyses were conducted for PCOS (finngen_R12_E4_PCOS, n_cases = 2,214) and POI (finngen_R12_E4_OVARFAIL, n_cases = 655).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Exposure: &lt;/strong&gt;In silico exposure to EBCN for target prediction; genetically predicted plasma protein levels for causal inference.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Main outcome measures: &lt;/strong&gt;Identification of overlapping targets between EBCN and ovulatory dysfunction; functional enrichment pathways; causal effects of prioritized proteins on ovulatory dysfunction risk (odds ratios [OR] with 95% confidence intervals); binding affinities between EBCN and core targets (kcal/mol).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results: &lt;/strong&gt;Network toxicology identified 150 overlapping targets between EBCN and ovulatory dysfunction. Enrichment analyses revealed significant associations with cancer-related pathways, PI3K-Akt and MAPK signaling cascades, and processes involving inflammation, metabolism, and apoptosis. Mendelian randomization demonstrated that genetically elevated levels of JUN (OR 1.265), CYP3A4 (OR 1.192), FGFR3 (OR 1.182), MET (OR 1.128), and POLR1C (OR 1.190) were significantly associated with increased risk of the composite ovulatory dysfunction phenotype, whereas higher PSAP levels were protective (OR 0.931). Subtype-specific analyses revealed convergent signals (e.g., CYP3A4 in PCOS) and divergent signals (e.g., TYMS as a risk factor in PCOS but protective in POI). Molecular docking confirmed stable binding interactions between EBCN and these targets, with strongest affinities for CYP3A4 (-8.9 kcal/mol) and JUN (-7.7 kcal/mol).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusion: &lt;/strong&gt;This integrative investigation identifies inflammatory regulators, xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes, and cellular pathway proteins as potential mediators genetically associated with ovulatory dysfunction risk. However, whether EBCN directly affects these proteins and thereby contributes to ovulatory pathology remains to be experimental","PeriodicalId":73012,"journal":{"name":"F&S science","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-08-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148724293","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}