Studying the morphological changes in dendrites and dendritic spines during the early postnatal period is essential for unraveling the development of neural circuits and synaptic connectivity. Structural alterations in the dendritic arborization and spine morphology of medium spiny neurons (MSNs) have been closely linked to various neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). While Golgi-Cox staining remains a powerful technique for visualizing individual neurons, existing protocols are predominantly optimized for adult rodent brains only. This has limited our insight into MSNs development during the early postnatal stages, largely due to difficulties in maintaining tissue integrity during processing and the absence of standardized methods specific to neonatal brains. In this study, we present a reliable, cost-effective, and easily reproducible Golgi-Cox staining protocol suitable for use in standard histology laboratories. This protocol is specifically adapted for neonatal and early postnatal mouse brain tissue but is also applicable to adult brains. It enables consistent and detailed analysis of dendritic and spine morphology across developmental time points and provides a valuable tool for investigating the disrupted neuronal maturation observed in the mouse models of NDDs.

Background/Objectives: Male infertility is a significant global public health concern, with sperm abnormalities contributing to nearly half of all cases. This retrospective study addressed a critical gap by analyzing 1182 semen records from subfertile Jordanian men at the IVF unit. Methods: We quantified the prevalence of specific abnormalities, oligozoospermia, asthenozoospermia, teratozoospermia, and azoospermia, and investigated the interrelationships between sperm count, motility, and morphology. Results: Oligozoospermia was the most prevalent single abnormality (29%), while normozoospermia was found in 28% of cases. Combined defects were frequent; oligoasthenoteratozoospermia, with low count, poor motility, and abnormal morphology, was identified in 17% of cases, highlighting the multifactorial nature of subfertility. Correlation analysis showed significant interdependencies. A strong positive correlation was found between normal morphology and progressive motility (r = 0.484, p < 0.0001), suggesting structural integrity is closely linked to movement. Sperm count showed moderate positive correlations with normal morphology (r = 0.508, p < 0.0001) and non-progressive motility (r = 0.522, p < 0.0001). Abnormal morphology exhibited the strongest positive correlation with immotile sperm (r = 0.559, p < 0.0001), consistent with asthenoteratozoospermia. Conclusions: These findings suggest semen issues in Jordanian men include multiple parameters simultaneously. Comprehensive semen analysis is essential for accurate fertility assessment, as focusing on a single parameter like sperm count may overlook critical factors contributing to infertility.

Background: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most prevalent reproductive, endocrine, and metabolic disorders inflicting women of childbearing age. Dietary interventions have gained interest as non-pharmacological approach to control obesity and metabolic disturbances. However, the effects of intermittent fasting (IF) on metabolic and hormonal profiles of PCOS patients is debatable. Objectives: We performed this systematic review and meta-analysis to explore IF’s effect on PCOS women’s metabolic and hormonal profile (PROSPERO: CRD42024511520). Eligible studies included IF interventions in women with PCOS, with metabolic and hormonal profiles being reported. Methods: A systematic literature search using three databases, including PubMed, SCOPUS, and Web of Science, was conducted. The systematic review was performed following PRISMA guidelines. Results: A total of four studies were included (N = 4). IF is not associated with significant change in BMI (MD = −0.200, 95% CI [−0.807, 0.407], p = 0.518). The analysis revealed that IF had no statistically significant impact on FBG (MD = −0.569, 95% CI [−9.955, 8.818], p = 0.906), HOMA-IR (MD = −0.862, 95% CI [−1.737, 0.014], p = 0.054), and FINS (MD = −2.749, 95% CI [−6.441, 0.943], p = 0.145). No significant change in TG (MD = −3.120, 95% CI [−9.624, 3.385], p = 0.347), total cholesterol (MD = −0.918, 95% CI [−2.960, 1.124], p = 0.378), and LDL levels (MD = −0.433, 95% CI [−1.224, 0.359], p = 0.284) between IF and pre-fasting or non-intervention diet groups. However, the explanation is limited by the small number of studies, duration of fasting regimes, and/or variations in fasting strategies. Sex hormone data were collected but were insufficient for a pooled analysis. Conclusions: Overall, our study suggests that IF is not an effective intervention to enhance BMI, glycaemic control, and lipid metabolism in PCOS patients. Nevertheless, the current conclusion is inconclusive and preliminary, as additional well-designed studies are required to support this conclusion.

Background: Tendinopathy is a challenging condition associated with high treatment costs, prolonged dysfunction, and lower quality of life. Current treatment strategies aim to accelerate healing by modulating the healing phases. Phototherapy and growth factor-based modalities have shown promising outcomes in promoting tendon healing. A two-factor experimental design investigates the therapeutic efficacy of conditioning a partially tenotomized rat Achilles tendon model with low concentrations of collagenase, followed by platelet-rich plasma and/or light-emitting diode treatments. Methods: Forty-six adult male Wistar rats (284.8g ± 6.8) were randomly assigned to nine groups (G1 (n = 6), G2–G9; n = 5 per group) based on the treatment applied upon a partially incised rat’s hind-limb Achilles tendon model for three weeks. On day 21, blood samples were collected for hematological and biochemical analyses and tendon explants were harvested and subjected to histology. Results: Observational findings support the safety and validity of the model with insignificant weight gain. Hematological measures revealed no significant differences, except WBC, which was affected by phototherapy (p = 0.037). Blood biochemical measures of creatinine and AST levels were significantly affected by collagenase, while both treatments significantly influence CPK levels (p < 0.001). Histological scores revealed no significant main or interaction effect of both treatment modalities. Effect size estimates for biochemical variables were strong effects while hematological and histological variables demonstrated weak effects. Conclusions: Preconditioning a partially incised tendon with low collagenase and combined with PRP and/or LED therapy may offer therapeutic benefits by enhancing the remodeling phase of tendon repair. Study results validated the rat model, which could be a reliable model for future research to refine treatment as well as the investigational tools protocols.

Background/Objectives: Infertility, defined as the failure to achieve pregnancy after one year of regular unprotected intercourse, represents a significant global health challenge, with male factors contributing to approximately 50% of cases. In this epidemiological context, both primary male infertility (the inability to conceive a first child) and secondary male infertility (which occurs when a man who has already fathered a child faces difficulty conceiving again) remain poorly understood at the genetic level. This study explored the role of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in mitochondrial genes (MT-ND3, MT-ND4L, and MT-ND4) in primary and secondary male infertility. Methods: This study analyzed the genotype distributions of SNPs in 68 infertile males (49 with primary infertility and 19 with secondary infertility) using Sanger sequencing. Results: Key findings revealed that studied SNPs were significantly associated with infertility type. Specifically, rs2857285 (T>C,G) in the ND4 gene showed a significant correlation (p = 0.023) with the TT genotype, which is prominent in primary infertility. Another SNP, rs28358279 (T>A,C) in the ND4L gene, also demonstrated a significant correlation (p = 0.046) with the TT genotype, being more common in primary infertility. In addition, rs869096886 (A>G) in the ND4 gene had a borderline correlation (p = 0.051), indicating a possible association between this SNP and reproductive duration. Conclusions: This study emphasizes the potential relevance of mitochondrial malfunction in male infertility, specifically the effects of studied SNPs on sperm survival and function over time. These findings suggest that certain mitochondrial SNPs might be potential biomarkers for infertility risk. Larger studies are needed to confirm these associations and examine the functional effects of these SNPs. Combining genetic analysis with environmental and lifestyle factors could enhance our understanding of male infertility and improve diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.