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Background Infertility, which is defined as the inability to conceive after at least 12 months of regular unprotected sexual intercourses, affects about 15–20% of couples worldwide and a male factor is involved in about half of the cases. The development of assisted reproductive technology (ART) made it possible to conceive also to individuals affected from severe oligospermia or azoospermia. However, the impact of the male factor on embryo development, implantation, prevalence of chromosomal abnormalities, genetic and epigenetic alterations, and clinical and obstetric outcomes is still controversial. Purpose This narrative review examines the indications, minimum access criteria, and outcomes by individual ART technique in relation to the male factor.

Purpose We herein aimed to review the new insights into the impact of impaired thyroid function on male and female fertility, spacing from spontaneous pregnancy to ART, with the objective of providing an updated narrative revision of the literature. Methods This narrative review was performed for all available prospective, retrospective and review articles, published up to 2021 in PubMed. Data were extracted from the text and from the tables of the manuscript. Results Thyroid dysfunction is frequently associated with female infertility, whereas its link with male infertility is debated. Female wise, impaired function is detrimental to obstetric and fetal outcomes both in spontaneous pregnancies and in those achieved thanks to assisted reproduction technologies (ART). Furthermore, the reference range of TSH in natural pregnancy and ART procedures has recently become a matter of debate following recent reports in this field. On the other hand, the impact of thyroid function on the male reproductive system is less clear, although a possible role is suggested via modulation of Sertoli and Leydig cells function and spermatogenesis. Conclusion Thyroid function should be carefully monitored in both male and female, in couples seeking spontaneous pregnancy as well as ART, as treatment is generally immediate and likely to improve chances of success.

Purpose The aim of this review is to evaluate the effects of new technology used in the management of diabetes mellitus (DM), including the use of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and the administration of insulin through continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII), on male and female sexual function. Methods This narrative review was performed for all available prospective, retrospective and review articles, published up to June 2023 in PubMed. Data were extracted from the text and from the tables of the manuscript. Results Sexual dysfunctions are an underestimated comorbidity of DM in both male and female. Although erectile dysfunction (ED) is recognized by the guidelines as a complication of DM, female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is poorly investigated in clinical setting. In addition to the complications of DM, the different types of therapies can also influence male and female sexual response. Furthermore, insulin therapy can be administered through multiple-daily injections (MDI) or a CSII. The new technologies in the field of DM allow better glycemic control which results in a reduction in the occurrence or aggravation of complications of DM. Despite this evidence, few data are available on the impact of new technologies on sexual dysfunctions. Conclusions The use of DM technology might affect sexual function due to the risk of a worse body image, as well as discomfort related to CSII disconnection during sexual activity. However, the use is related to an improved metabolic control, which, in the long-term associates to a reduction in all diabetes complications, including sexual function.

Improving nitrogen (N) use efficiency in Brassica carinata is essential to sustain yield and lower biofuel carbon intensity under variable field conditions. We hypothesized that integrating physiological indicators, such as the nitrogen nutrition index (NNI) and the critical nitrogen uptake curve (CriNUC), into N management frameworks would better discriminate crop N status and improve the diagnostic evaluation of fertilizer performance in B. carinata under temperate field conditions. A 2‐year, multi‐site field experiment in Uruguay evaluated conventional split urea (CONTROL), slow‐release, and nitrification‐inhibited fertilizers (ENTEC 150 and Sulfammo‐NPRO) at 0, 90, and 150 kg N ha−1. Crop responses were assessed through yield components, nitrogen uptake, nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) metrics (agronomic efficiency of nitrogen [AEN], recovery efficiency of nitrogen [REN], and IEN), and physiological indicators (NNI and CriNUC). ENTEC 150 increased grain yield by 70% relative to the CONTROL and consistently maintained N sufficiency from elongation to flowering. Across treatments, NNI and CriNUC provided complementary, in‐season insights that were not captured by static NUE indices, particularly under environmental stress. Neither REN nor AEN correlated with NNI at flowering, highlighting potential physiological or structural constraints (e.g., lodging) that limit predictability under field conditions. Treatments with NNI > 1 showed increased protein and reduced oil concentration, confirming trade‐offs between productivity and grain composition. While results are exploratory due to the use of a generic dilution curve, our findings suggest that combining enhanced‐efficiency fertilizers with crop‐based diagnostics supports more precise and adaptive nitrogen management in B. carinata. Further calibration is needed to refine these tools and validate their utility for decision‐making across diverse environments. Core Ideas ENTEC 150 increased carinata yield by 70% and eliminated the need for split N applications. Nitrogen nutrition index and chronic elucidate the physiological mechanisms governing grain yield responses. Integrated N diagnostics revealed trade‐offs between grain yield and post‐harvest N residues. Plain Language Summary Brassica carinata is an oilseed crop with potential for sustainable aviation fuel. To improve nitrogen use in this crop, we tested different fertilizer types and rates in on‐farm trials in Uruguay. We also evaluated two plant‐based tools—the nitrogen nutrition index and the critical nitrogen uptake curve—to monitor nitrogen status during key growth stages. These tools helped us understand how plants respond to different nitrogen strategies under real field conditions. One of the fertilizers tested reduced the need for multiple applications and maintained good nitrogen availability during flowering, a key stage for yield formation. Overall, we found that combining crop‐based monitoring with fertilizer choices can improve nitrogen use efficiency, support grain yield, and help balance trade‐offs in grain quality. These approaches can guide better nitrogen decisions in biofuel cropping systems, especially where growing conditions vary from year to year.

Background Lung NET, classified in typical carcinoids (TC) and atypical carcinoids (AC), are highly heterogeneous in their biology and prognosis. The histological subtype and TNM stage are well-established prognostic factors for lung NET. In a previous work by our group, we demonstrated a significant impact of laterality on lung NET survival outcomes. Materials and methods We developed a nomogram that integrates relevant prognostic factors to predict lung NET outcomes. By adding the scores for each of the variables included in the model, it was possible to obtain a prognostic score (Rachel score). Wilcoxon non-parametric statistical test was applied among parameters and Harrell’s concordance index was used to measure the models’ predictive power. To test the discriminatory power and the predictive accuracy of the model, we calculated Gonen and Heller concordance index. Time-dependent ROC curves and their area under the curve (AUC) were used to evaluate the models’ predictive performance. Results By applying Rachel score, we were able to identify three prognostic groups (specifically, high, medium and low risk). These three groups were associate to well-defined ranges of points according to the obtained nomogram (I: 0–90, II: 91–130; III: > 130 points), providing a useful tool for prognostic stratification. The overall survival (OS) and progression free survival (PFS) Kaplan–Meier curves confirmed significant differences ( p < 0.0001) among the three groups identified by Rachel score. Conclusions A prognostic nomogram was developed, incorporating variables with significant impact on lung NET survival. The nomogram showed a satisfactory and stable ability to predict OS and PFS in this population, confirming the heterogeneity beyond the histopathological diagnosis of TC vs AC.

Purpose To evaluate the association among andrological diseases at the first outpatient visit and the medications taken by patients for other comorbidities, as well as the differential impact between specific medication and relative comorbidities. Methods This is a single-center retrospective study based on subjects who referred to the Andrology Unit with a well-defined andrological diagnosis. Results A total of 3752 subjects were studied (mean age ± DS 46.2 ± 16.5 years). A total of 19 categories of andrological diseases and 110 type of medications for other comorbidities were identified. ED was the most frequent andrological pathology at the first andrological examination (28.7%), followed by infertility (12.4%). The couple of variables that were statistically significant in the univariate association analysis ( p  < 0.001) were: ED and (a) antihypertensives; (b) antihyperglycemics; (c) lipids-lowering; (d) psychotropics. The univariate and multivariate regression analyses confirmed the association. All the related comorbidities were also significantly associated with the univariate analysis, and all remained significantly associated with multivariate analysis. A multivariate analysis was also conducted to analyze the association between ED and the following pairs of variables “DM-antihyperglycemics”, “dyslipidemia-lipids-lowering”, and “hypertension-antihypertensives”. In all cases, the pathology, but not the specific treatment, was significantly associated with ED. Conclusion ED is significantly associated with antihypertensive, antihyperglycemic, lipid-lowering, psychotropic drugs’ intake. Anyway, ED appears to be more related to the diseases than to the specific therapies. The definitive cause/effect relationship should be established based on future prospective studies.

Biofuels play an important role in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, but their production results in greenhouse gases such as nitrous oxide (N2O), mainly from nitrogen (N) fertilization. Brassica carinata (carinata) is an unexplored winter crop in the world’s main cropping areas, with multiple applications (cover crop, jet biofuel, and animal feed, among others). We analyzed a set of on-farm fertilization experiments (2016–2018) in southern South America using quantile regression to establish a baseline for both seed yield (YSEED) and the different components of nitrogen-use efficiency (NUE). Maximum YSEED for the 50th and 90th percentiles ranged from 2.5 to 3.5 Mg ha−1, with a N availability of 150–160 kg ha−1 (soil + fertilization). The NUE ranged from 3 to 13 kg seed per kg of N available. Carinata, in the absence of other limiting factors, had a high N uptake (NUPT) capacity (1.0 to 1.5 kg ha−1 NUPT per kg ha−1 N available [soil + fertilization]). The explored N fertilization rates had no significant influence on oil concentrations (455 to 517 g kg−1) and protein concentrations (192 to 253 g kg−1). The region has a high potential for carinata production, with a high capacity to take up available N.

Background: Increasing evidence suggests that diabetes increases the risk of developing different types of cancer. Hyperinsulinemia, hyperglycemia and chronic inflammation, characteristic of diabetes, could represent possible mechanisms involved in cancer development in diabetic patients. At the same time, cancer increases the risk of developing new-onset diabetes, mainly caused by the use of specific anticancer therapies. Of note, diabetes has been associated with a ∼10% increase in mortality for all cancers in comparison with subjects who did not have diabetes. Diabetes is associated with a worse prognosis in patients with cancer, and more recent findings suggest a key role for poor glycemic control in this regard. Nevertheless, the association between glycemic control and cancer outcomes in oncologic patients with diabetes remains unsettled and poorly debated. Purpose: The current review seeks to summarize the available evidence on the effect of glycemic control on cancer outcomes, as well as on the possibility that timely treatment of hyperglycemia and improved glycemic control in patients with cancer and diabetes may favorably affect cancer outcomes.

Purpose Neuroendocrine neoplasms can occur as part of inherited disorders, usually in the form of well-differentiated, slow-growing tumors (NET). The main predisposing syndromes include: multiple endocrine neoplasias type 1 (MEN1), associated with a large spectrum of gastroenteropancreatic and thoracic NETs, and type 4 (MEN4), associated with a wide tumour spectrum similar to that of MEN1; von Hippel-Lindau syndrome (VHL), tuberous sclerosis (TSC), and neurofibromatosis 1 (NF-1), associated with pancreatic NETs. In the present review, we propose a reappraisal of the genetic basis and clinical features of gastroenteropancreatic and thoracic NETs in the setting of inherited syndromes with a special focus on molecularly targeted therapies for these lesions. Methods Literature search was systematically performed through online databases, including MEDLINE (via PubMed), and Scopus using multiple keywords’ combinations up to June 2022. Results Somatostatin analogues (SSAs) remain the mainstay of systemic treatment for NETs, and radiolabelled SSAs can be used for peptide-receptor radionuclide therapy for somatostatin receptor (SSTR)-positive NETs. Apart of these SSTR-targeted therapies, other targeted agents have been approved for NETs: the mTOR inhibitor everolimus for lung, gastroenteropatic and unknown origin NET, and sunitinib, an antiangiogenic tyrosine kinase inhibitor, for pancreatic NET. Novel targeted therapies with other antiangiogenic agents and immunotherapies have been also under evaluation. Conclusions Major advances in the understanding of genetic and epigenetic mechanisms of NET development in the context of inherited endocrine disorders have led to the recognition of molecular targetable alterations, providing a rationale for the implementation of treatments and development of novel targeted therapies.

Purpose To evaluate the impact of high thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels on human granulosa–luteal (hGL) cells. Methods hGL cells were isolated from follicular aspirates derived from patients undergoing IVF treatment without any thyroid disorder (serum TSH 0.5–2 mU/L). Cells were cultured at 37 °C in DMEM, supplemented with 5% FBS. The cells were treated with 1 nM LH and increasing concentrations of TSH. At the end of culture, conditioned medium and cells were collected to analyze progesterone production, cell viability, and mRNA levels of genes involved in the steroidogenesis process. Human ovarian tissues were analyzed for TSH receptor (TSHR) expression by IHC. Results The expression of TSHR was detected in human corpus luteum by IHC and in hGL by RT-PCR. In hGL cells, TSH treatment did not modulate progesterone production nor the expression of steroidogenic genes, such as p450scc and HSD3b 1/2. However, TSH induced a dose-dependent increase in cell death. Finally, TSH did not affect LH-induced p450scc and HSD3b1/2 expression while LH partially reverted TSH negative effect on cell death in hGL. Conclusions Elevated TSH levels in hypothyroid women may be associated with impaired CL functioning and maintenance. These findings open a new line of research for the importance of the treatment of women with thyroid dysfunction that could contribute to the onset of infertility.