Background Idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (iOAT) is common among men with infertility, yet patient awareness remains limited. This study assessed their knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding iOAT. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2023 to July 2024 among male infertility patients to assess their KAP regarding iOAT. Demographic information and KAP data were collected through questionnaires administered to male infertility patients. Results A total of 467 valid responses from male infertility patients were included in the final analysis (effective response rate 93.4%). Male infertility patients exhibited inadequate knowledge (median 17, IQR 13–20), generally positive attitudes (median 35, IQR 31–38), and suboptimal practices (median 18, IQR 16–20). Correlation analysis revealed significant positive correlations between knowledge and attitude (r = 0.287, P < 0.001), knowledge and practice (r = 0.293, P < 0.001), and attitude and practice (r = 0.266, P < 0.001). Conclusion Male infertility patients demonstrated inadequate knowledge, generally positive attitudes, and suboptimal practices concerning iOAT, with educational level and income significantly influencing their KAP outcomes.
Background Although studies have suggested that sperm motility may influence assisted reproductive technology outcomes, current studies on factors affecting post-cryopreservation motility recovery are largely limited to evaluating cryopreservation techniques. Objective To evaluate human factors associated with the recovery of sperm motility after cryopreservation. Design We retrospectively reviewed patients undergoing sperm cryopreservation at a single institution between September 2021 and January 2024. Methods Pre- and post-thaw motility, demographics, clinical history, and pre-retrieval laboratory values were collected. The primary outcome was percent motility recovery, defined as post-thaw motility divided by pre-freeze motility multiplied by 100. Multivariable linear regression was adjusted for baseline motility, age, BMI category, smoking status, alcohol use, race, chemotherapy exposure, and radiation exposure. A secondary model used absolute post-thaw motility to assess ratio-based ceiling effects. Results Among 184 patients, mean age was 30.4 (SD 9.07) and mean BMI was 25.9 (SD 4.87). Mean pre- and post-freezing sperm motility and percent recovery were 45.5% (SD 22.1), 23.7% (SD 13.8), and 53.9% (SD 24.5), respectively. Increasing age was associated with lower motility recovery (β=−0.525, p=0.015) and post-thaw motility (β=−0.178, p=0.025). Higher pre-freeze motility was inversely associated with percent recovery (β=−0.201, p=0.016), but positively associated with post-thaw (β=0.478, p<2*10 -16 ). Conclusions Advancing age was associated with lower proportional motility recovery and lower absolute post-thaw motility. The inverse association between baseline motility and percentage recovery likely reflects ratio-based mathematical constraints, not worse absolute post-thaw motility. Older patients may benefit from earlier or multiple cryopreservations to maximize motile sperm availability.
Background Paclitaxel (PTX) is an effective chemotherapeutic agent for prostate cancer (PCa), yet resistance emerges with disease progression. Cancer-cell stemness is intimately linked to PTX resistance. This work clarifies whether FOXG1 modulates PTX resistance in PCa via cellular stemness. Methods TCGA database was interrogated for FOXG1 expression in PCa. PTX-resistant PCa cell lines were generated by stepwise escalation of PTX concentration. qRT-PCR quantified FOXG1 and NANOG levels in PCa cells. CCK-8, sphere-formation assay, and flow cytometry evaluated cell viability, stemness, and apoptosis, respectively. Western blot assessed apoptosis-related proteins. JASPAR predicted FOXG1 binding sites within NANOG. Dual-luciferase reporter and ChIP verified FOXG1–NANOG interaction. Results Bioinformatic analysis revealed elevated FOXG1 expression in PCa tissues. FOXG1 levels were likewise increased in PCa cells. A PTX-resistant PC-3 sub-line (PC-3-R) was established. FOXG1 silencing suppressed stemness and viability of PC-3-R cells under PTX exposure while promoting apoptosis. FOXG1 was identified as an upstream regulator of NANOG. NANOG overexpression reversed the effects conferred by FOXG1 silencing on PC-3-R cells. Conclusion FOXG1 fosters NANOG-mediated cellular stemness to potentiate PTX resistance in PCa.
Depression is a major global health concern, particularly during the transition to fatherhood. This study explored and described the experiences of self-identified antenatal depressive symptoms among expectant fathers. A qualitative design was used, involving semi-structured interviews with eighteen participants who screened positive for depressive symptoms on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Participants were recruited from antenatal clinics in eight public hospitals in a northeastern province of Thailand, and all had partners with 12 to 40 weeks of pregnancy. Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory provided the conceptual framework. Most partners were in their second trimester. Data were transcribed and analysed using qualitative content analysis. Six categories emerged: stress and distress during pregnancy; fear, worry, and anxiety; marital distress; emotional changes of partner; readiness for fatherhood; and social support. Expectant fathers described challenges in managing stress and distress but also expressed readiness for their new role. The findings highlight both negative and positive experiences at individual and couple levels. Nurses and midwives should strengthen screening practices and develop evidence-based approaches to support the transition to parenthood. A perinatal, father-focused parenting and mental health program should be developed and evaluated to promote mental health, enhance couple relationships, and prevent depressive symptoms during pregnancy.
