Search Results (519)

Apple pomace represents an important agro-industrial residue with high moisture content and significant environmental burden if improperly managed. This study investigated its thermochemical valorisation into biochar via two processes, followed by comprehensive physicochemical characterization and agronomic evaluation. Elemental analysis revealed carbon enrichment from 47.89% in raw material to 77–78% after the thermal process, evidencing a progressive aromatization. Scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and Raman analysis confirmed a temperature-dependent transition from partially amorphous carbon (400 °C) to more ordered aromatic structures (450 °C), while excessive thermal treatment (550 °C) increased structural defects. ICP-OES revealed an enrichment in thermally stable metals (Fe, Al, Mn) and limited Cd accumulation. Germination assays using Triticum aestivum L. demonstrated that biochar produced at 400 °C significantly improved the germination uniformity and seedling height (14.1 mm), as well as biomass accumulation compared to the control soil sample. The fertilizer addition increased the soluble Na and electrical conductivity (up to 643 µS/cm), potentially inducing transient salinity stress. Soil chemical analysis indicated increased K availability in soils amended with biochar produced at 400 °C, whereas the combination of biochar obtained at 450 °C with fertilizer conducted to elevated concentrations of certain trace metals, mainly Ni and Cr, highlighting the demand for careful monitoring. Overall, the biochar produced at 400 °C yielded to an optimal balance between structural stability, nutrient enrichment, and agronomic performance, evidencing that apple pomace may be a viable feedstock for sustainable biochar production within circular bioeconomy frameworks. Full article

Reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS)-assisted non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) has emerged as a promising technique to enhance spectral efficiency and coverage in fifth- and sixth-generation wireless networks. However, asymmetric indoor propagation conditions characterized by heterogeneous line-of-sight (LoS) and non-line-of-sight (NLoS) links often degrade user fairness. This paper investigates a downlink RIS-assisted NOMA system under the standardized 3GPP indoor office (InH) channel model to address fairness-oriented design under realistic link-budget constraints. We formulate an optimization problem for max–min fairness that jointly considers discrete RIS element partitioning and NOMA power allocation to achieve a symmetrical allocation of quality of service (QoS). To enable efficient computation, the non-convex problem is transformed into an epigraph form and solved using a low-complexity, bisection-based quasi-convex optimization framework combined with enumeration over RIS partitions. Numerical results demonstrate significant fairness gains; for instance, doubling the RIS array size yields a substantial improvement in the ergodic max–min rate, corresponding to approximately a 66% gain at moderate transmit power levels. Furthermore, by accounting for practical impairments such as imperfect successive interference cancellation (iSIC), imperfect channel state information (iCSI), and RIS implementation losses, the results reveal that fairness-optimal operation consistently prioritizes the far user to overcome severe indoor NLoS attenuation. The proposed framework is also compared with alternating optimization (AO)-based RIS-NOMA, conventional RIS beamforming without partition and RIS-assisted orthogonal multiple access (OMA) schemes. Simulation results confirm that the proposed framework achieves low computational complexity, making it suitable for practical indoor wireless environments. Full article

This study investigated the application of biochar obtained from black liquor, a residue generated during the Kraft pulping process in the paper industry, as a sustainable soil amendment in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) cultivation. The biochar was produced through controlled pyrolysis at 450 °C and subsequently characterized with respect to elemental composition, porosity, specific surface area, and chemical stability, confirming its suitability for agricultural use. The experiment comprised three treatments: unamended soil (control), soil supplemented with 3% biochar, and soil fertilized with NPK, all conducted under controlled growth conditions. The results showed that biochar significantly improved key soil fertility indicators, increasing cation exchange capacity from 11 to 19 cmol(+)/kg and soil organic matter from 2.1% to 2.6%. Mineral nitrogen availability increased from 7.0 mg/kg to 10.5 mg/kg in the biochar treatment compared with the control. At the plant level, biochar enhanced early barley growth, with plant height increasing from 25 cm to 27 cm and chlorophyll content rising from 32.35 SPAD units to 39 SPAD units. Although NPK fertilization produced slightly higher immediate growth responses, biochar contributed to improved soil chemical properties and nutrient retention. Overall, the results suggest that black liquor-derived biochar shows potential as a complementary soil amendment under controlled conditions. Full article

Optimizing cryo-resuscitation from frozen sperm would improve access to cryopreserved rat models. In this study, the possibility of replacing intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) with in vitro fertilization (IVF) for model cryo-resuscitation from frozen–thawed sperm was investigated. Rat IVF protocol was modified to allow the procedures to be performed during a 9 h workday. The possibility of genetic background-specific modification of the superovulation protocol for the improvement in IVF outcomes was explored. Wild-type and genetically modified Sprague Dawley (SD), Long Evans (LE) and Fischer 344 (F344) rats were used. Sperm freezing and IVF were conducted as previously described. Cleavage, blastocyst formation and hatching of the resulting embryos were used to assess their developmental potential in vitro. The results showed that, with limited repetitions, current sperm freezing and IVF protocols resulted in cleavage rates ranging from 58 ± 11% to 87 ± 7% and blastocyst rates ranging from 21 ± 25% to 54 ± 23%, which are acceptable for the cryo-resuscitation of rat models. With slight modifications, the procedure can be fit into a 9 h workday (SD: 48 ± 35%; F344: 36 ± 13%). Strain/stock-specific differences in oocyte maturation timing were observed: LE females had a two-hour delay compared to SD and F344 rats in response to the same superovulation protocol. However, modifying the protocol for LE rats did not significantly improve IVF outcomes (34 ± 6 vs. 32 ± 12%). Overall, while IVF with frozen–thawed sperm is a promising alternative to ICSI, significant variability remains across strains/stocks and protocols. Continued research is necessary to advance our understanding of factors affecting the efficiency and repeatability of rat sperm freezing and IVF. Full article

The different Assisted Reproductive Technology techniques are offering hope to millions of couples struggling with infertility. However, the success of IVF/ICSI is related at least partially to the optimization of embryo culture conditions, which are influenced by myriad of physiological and environmental factors. This review reports the latest advancements in embryo culture techniques, with a particular focus on the roles of oxygen tension, pH regulation, temperature stability, air quality in enhancing embryo viability, competency and implantation rates. In addition, we explored the critical importance of quality assurance (QA) factors and key performance indicators (KPIs) to keep laboratory efficiency. We highlighted also some emerging technologies, such as dynamic culture systems, metabolomics, proteomics biomarkers potential, and artificial intelligence (AI) in embryo selection and monitoring, which hold promise for further improving embryo culture techniques. By providing a comprehensive overview of the current state of embryo culture optimization, this review aims to guide future research and clinical practices in the field of assisted reproductive technology (ART). Full article

Oxidative stress (OS) and sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) are complementary contributors to male infertility. OS characterizes a compromised seminal redox status, whereas SDF quantifies downstream genomic damage. Human sperm are highly susceptible to redox damage due to lipid-rich membranes and disrupted post-meiotic DNA-repair capacity. Excess reactive oxygen species (ROS) can cause lipid peroxidation, oxidative base lesions, and DNA strand breaks that impair fertilization, embryo development, and pregnancy outcomes. This review explains how OS promotes genomic instability and summarizes the main laboratory assays that assess redox status and SDF in semen. These include direct ROS chemiluminescence assay, oxidation–reduction potential, total antioxidant capacity/ferric reducing antioxidant power, and lipid peroxidation biomarkers, alongside SDF platforms (Sperm Chromatin Structure Assay, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling, alkaline/neutral Comet, and sperm chromatin dispersion). Additionally, guideline-aligned indications are highlighted to clarify the conditions for testing OS and SDF. OS testing is most relevant in men with leukocytospermia or suspected genital tract infection or inflammation, including dysbiosis; in cases of major modifiable exposures such as smoking or heat; and for early monitoring after treatment. SDF testing is particularly informative in couples with recurrent pregnancy loss and in unexplained infertility with normal semen parameters. Combined OS and SDF testing is recommended in clinical varicocele, repeated in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) failure, poor embryo development, and follow-up after targeted therapy. Management centers on treating infection and inflammation, improving lifestyle and environmental factors, considering varicocelectomy when indicated, using targeted antioxidant therapy in men with documented OS, and selectively applying sperm selection technologies or testicular sperm for ICSI when SDF remains high. Priorities include assay standardization, etiologic attribution of DNA damage, and trials testing OS/SDF-guided pathways with live birth as the primary endpoint. When used selectively and in the appropriate context, OS and SDF testing can help refine diagnosis, improve counseling, and help personalize care of infertile couples. Full article

Male infertility contributes to nearly half of infertile couples, with asthenozoospermia and oligoasthenoteratozoospermia as predominant factors. Despite advancements in sperm processing techniques, the outcomes remain limited in severe cases, particularly concerning motility, mitochondrial function, and DNA integrity. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), an autologous concentrate rich in platelets (>1 × 10⁶/μL) and growth factors, has recently gained attention as an adjunctive therapy in andrology and assisted reproduction. This review systematically evaluated studies published between 2015 and 2025 investigating PRP use in sperm processing, including in vitro experiments, clinical trials, animal models, and mechanistic studies. PRP demonstrated concentration-dependent benefits, with 5% PRP yielding optimal improvements: motility increased by 15–30%, mitochondrial activity increased by up to 80% (p = 0.002), and oxidative stress was significantly reduced (p < 0.001). PRP’s effects on DNA integrity differ by application method: intratesticular administration improves spermatogenesis, producing sperm with reduced DNA fragmentation (~33% relative reduction after 3 months, p < 0.001), while in vitro supplementation provides limited protection against processing-induced damage. Mechanisms involve antioxidant action, mitochondrial protection via AMP-activated protein kinaseNuclear Factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (AMPK/NF-κB) modulation, membrane stabilization, and the selective preservation of higher-quality spermatozoa. PRP shows consistent biological efficacy and safety but lacks methodological standardization. Fewer than 20% of studies report platelet concentrations, limiting reproducibility. Standardized protocols distinguishing leukocyte-poor from leukocyte-rich preparations and randomized trials focusing on live birth rates are recommended. This review proposes an eight-point characterization checklist for future research. Full article

Thorium (Th), a naturally occurring actinide, is gaining renewed attention due to its dual role as a strategic nuclear resource and a potential environmental contaminant. This review critically reassesses thorium valorization pathways by integrating extraction technologies, environmental behavior, toxicological risks, and regulatory constraints. While thorium is primarily recovered as a by-product of rare earth element (REE) processing, conventional hydrometallurgical methods—though mature—generate significant secondary waste and pose environmental challenges. Emerging technologies, such as functionalized adsorbents, membrane systems, and biohydrometallurgy, show promise but remain largely confined to laboratory-scale studies due to scalability and stability issues. A key finding is that thorium’s environmental mobility and toxicological impact are directly influenced by the extraction processes used, creating species with distinct bioavailability and risk profiles. This work highlights the disconnect between high laboratory efficiencies and real-world applicability, emphasizing the need for integrated approaches that consider lifecycle impacts, waste minimization, and occupational safety. We propose a circular economy framework for sustainable thorium management, connecting green primary processing, secondary recovery from industrial residues, smart environmental stewardship, and supportive policy. The review concludes that successful thorium valorization depends not on incremental efficiency gains but on holistic designs that reconcile technological performance with environmental and health safeguards. Full article

Background and Objectives: This study aimed at developing an AI-based predictive model for live birth based on a combination of a support vector machine (SVM) using clinical and embryological features, together with a convolutional neural network (CNN) using embryo time-lapse videos. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective cohort analysis. Two hundred fifty-nine infertile couples treated between January 2012 and December 2019, with a total of 2330 embryos, were included in this study, and clinical data and images from 355 transferred embryos were used to build a predictive model. The main outcome was accuracy of live birth prediction. The secondary outcomes included accuracy in the prediction of biochemical pregnancy, clinical pregnancy and transferrable embryos. Results: The model was able to predict the transferrable embryo (i.e., embryos suitable for transfer or cryopreservation) with an accuracy of 0.98 in an internal set. The accuracy for predicting live birth, clinical pregnancy, and biochemical pregnancy exclusively using clinical data as input for an SVM model was 0.67, 0.68, and 0.67, respectively. With six frames from time-lapse embryo development, the CNN produced an accuracy of 0.57, 0.67, and 0.72. The predictive model performed best when combining input from clinical data and images from multiple embryo developmental frames, obtaining 0.71, 0.73, and 0.77 for predicting live birth, clinical pregnancy, and biochemical pregnancy. Conclusions: This study highlights the potential of combining clinical data and embryo development images to enhance predictive models in reproductive medicine. Full article

Background/Objectives: Phospholipase C zeta (PLCZ1; PLCζ) is a sperm-specific enzyme responsible for the Ca²⁺ oscillations required for oocyte activation, and altered PLCζ expression has been associated with fertilization failure in assisted reproductive technologies, particularly intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). This study aimed to develop and analytically validate a flow cytometry–based protocol for PLCζ quantification in human spermatozoa. Methods: The assay was established using normozoospermic samples and included validated positive and negative technical controls. Antibody specificity was confirmed by Western blot analysis. A defined gating strategy was used to assess linearity between fluorescence intensity and PLCζ expression. Analytical performance was evaluated for precision, reproducibility, stability, and sensitivity, including applicability to low sperm concentrations. Results: A linear relationship between fluorescence intensity and PLCζ expression was demonstrated. The assay showed high precision, reproducibility, and stability, with consistent results in samples stored up to 24 h at room temperature or up to one week post-fixation at 4 °C. Sensitivity testing confirmed suitability for low sperm concentrations. Conclusions: This work provides a standardized and analytically validated framework for PLCζ quantification using flow cytometry. Although the assay measures protein expression rather than functional competence or subcellular localization, it establishes a solid analytical basis for future studies to define clinically relevant PLCζ thresholds and assess its value as a biomarker of fertilization capacity. Full article

Background: Advanced paternal age is increasingly encountered in assisted reproduction as parenthood is deferred. The clinical question is whether paternal age from about 40 to 45 years and older affects embryo development or outcomes, and to what extent any effect relates to the sperm epigenome. Methods: This narrative review synthesized PubMed-indexed evidence on sperm aging biology, including DNA methylation, chromatin packaging and nucleosome retention, small non-coding RNAs, telomere dynamics, DNA fragmentation, and oxidative and mitochondrial stress, and their potential clinical impact on assisted reproduction outcomes. Results: Maternal age remains the principal determinant of embryo aneuploidy. After multivariable adjustment, independent paternal-age effects on fertilization, blastocyst formation, and preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy are small or not detected. At very advanced paternal ages near or above 50 years, some studies report higher miscarriage and lower live birth, without a consistent change in early embryo morphology. Aging in men is linked to higher DNA fragmentation and oxidative and mitochondrial signatures, together with reproducible sperm-epigenome changes, including age-linked DNA methylation, altered histone retention, and small-RNA shifts. These molecular findings support modest intergenerational influences on early development, while stable transgenerational inheritance in humans is not supported. Conclusions: Advanced paternal age should be regarded as a risk modifier rather than a primary driver of preimplantation failure. Counseling should emphasize realistic effect sizes and the predominance of maternal age. Laboratory workflows should minimize oxidative stress. Selective DNA-fragmentation testing may be appropriate in recurrent ART failure or recurrent loss. Sperm-epigenome assays remain investigational and should undergo prospective, standardized validation before use in routine care. Full article

The recycling of organic waste is a key element of the circular economy, particularly in response to the increasing generation of biodegradable residues. Composting provides a sustainable solution that supports waste management while improving soil fertility; however, its agronomic value depends on the feedstock origin, composting method, and maturity. This study compares three compost types, two home-produced (C1, C2) and one industrial (C3), to assess their suitability for agricultural application. The chemical characterization included macronutrients and micronutrients, heavy metals, and the humus content, while biological performance was evaluated through seed germination and root growth tests. C1 was nutrient-poor, especially in nitrogen and calcium, indicating the need for supplementation. C2 exhibited high potassium and moisture levels but elevated sodium concentrations, suggesting potential salinity issues. C3 showed high calcium and magnesium contents, moderate nitrogen, and low sodium, making it suitable for calcium-demanding crops. Overall, the home-produced composts demonstrated superior humus quality and more positive effects on plant development than the industrial compost, highlighting their potential as sustainable soil amendments. Full article

Background/Objectives: Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH) is an uncommon but treatable cause of non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA). Fertility can often be restored with gonadotropin therapy. This study evaluated spermatogenic and reproductive outcomes in men with HH-related NOA managed by stepwise gonadotropin therapy, microdissection testicular sperm extraction (microTESE) for persistent azoospermia, and assisted reproduction when indicated. Methods: A retrospective cohort study included 35 men treated between 2010 and 2022. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), with or without follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), was administered to induce spermatogenesis. Outcomes included sperm appearance in the ejaculate, microTESE sperm retrieval rate in persistent azoospermia, and pregnancy and live birth outcomes after natural conception or in vitro fertilization with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF-ICSI) when required. Results: Mean gonadotropin therapy duration was 12.0 months (range 6–24). Sperm appeared in the ejaculate in 27/35 men (77%). The remaining 8/35 (23%) underwent microTESE, with sperm retrieved in 7/8 (88%). Seven couples proceeded to IVF-ICSI, undergoing 11 cycles that yielded 6 clinical pregnancies (55% per cycle) and 5 live birth deliveries, including 2 twin pregnancies. Among responders, 13 natural pregnancies occurred, resulting in 13 live birth deliveries, including 2 twin pregnancies. Overall, 18/35 men (51%) achieved biological fatherhood, corresponding to 18 live birth delivery events (4 twin and 14 singleton deliveries) and 22 newborns. Conclusions: In men with HH-related NOA, exogenous gonadotropin therapy is expected to induce spermatogenesis in most patients. MicroTESE provides high sperm retrieval rates for those without ejaculatory sperm. Through an integrated approach of hormonal induction, microsurgical sperm retrieval, and assisted reproduction, approximately half of patients may ultimately achieve biological fatherhood in longer-term follow-up, depending on baseline severity and partner factors. Full article

Objective: In this study, we aimed to develop and internally validate a clinically applicable nomogram for predicting live birth following in vitro fertilization (IVF) using routinely available clinical and embryological parameters. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted at a single tertiary IVF center. Women undergoing IVF/ICSI were included if their baseline demographic and clinical data were available, they had undergone at least one fresh or frozen–thawed embryo transfer, and they had a known live birth outcome. Women with cycles without embryo transfer and those missing key outcome data were excluded from the analysis. As a result, a total of 2119 IVF/ICSI treatment cycles resulting in embryo transfer were included in the analysis. To identify independent predictors of live birth, multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed. Results: Among the 2119 treatment cycles analyzed, 541 resulted in live birth (25.5%). Multivariable logistic regression with backward stepwise selection identified female age (OR: 0.959, p < 0.001), high embryo quality (OR: 2.752, p < 0.001), day of embryo transfer (day 5 vs. day 3, OR: 1.427, p = 0.001), and endometrial thickness on the day of transfer as independent predictors of live birth (OR: 1.086, p < 0.001). These variables were incorporated into a nomogram (the Zübeyde Hanim IVF Nomogram) to estimate individualized live birth probability. The model demonstrated acceptable discrimination, with a bootstrap-corrected area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.64 (95%CI: 0.61–0.66), and it showed satisfactory calibration across deciles of predicted risk. Conclusions: The Zubeyde Hanim IVF Nomogram provides an individualized and clinically practical tool for predicting live birth following IVF treatment. Based on routinely available parameters, this model may assist clinicians in patient counseling and treatment planning. Full article

This study evaluated the clinical outcomes associated with quantitative phase microscopy (QPM), an advanced 3D morphological sperm analysis technique using a virtual, stained model developed in our facility that indicates whether the inspected sperm should be selected for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). We prospectively compared the clinical outcomes of three groups of cycles: (1) one with the QPM assessment, (2) one with conventional ICSI, without using QPM in the same patient, and (3) one with conventional ICSI cycles of an historical cohort of patients who did not undergo QPM. The outcomes of cycles using QPM vs. intracytoplasmic morphologically selected sperm injection (IMSI) cycles were also compared. A total of 1243 cycles were included. Pregnancy and delivery rates were higher among the QPM group compared to the standard ICSI group (56.2% vs. 18.1%, p = 0.04 and 50% vs. 9%, respectively, p = 0.02). Pregnancy and delivery rates were also higher among the QPM group compared to the IMSI group (56.2% vs. 16.6%, p = 0.01 and 50% vs. 16.6%, respectively, p = 0.03). No pregnancy complications were recorded in the QPM group. We conclude that QPM is a safe, non-invasive sperm selection technique for ICSI, with the potential to improve clinical pregnancy and delivery rates for couples with male infertility. Full article