A semen-specific deoxyribonucleic acid methylation model for epigenetic age estimation and its robustness under environmental challenges.

In forensic investigations, semen samples are a common form of biological evidence, especially in cases involving sexual assault. Therefore, accurately estimating the age of an individual is crucial in criminal cases. This study presents a novel age estimation model based on semen-specific CpG methylation patterns. A multiplex panel was developed, consisting of 12 CpG sites (PARP14, C5orf25, cg23488376, MXRA5, PFKFB3, DLL1, NOX4, cg12837463, TTC7B, KCNA7, NKX2-1, and SYNE4), which exhibit strong correlations with age. Additionally, this study investigates the resilience of these methylation markers under simulated environmental challenges. We collected ejaculate samples from a diverse cohort of 115 male individuals, aged 20-71 years, who underwent deoxyribonucleic acid extraction and bisulfite conversion. Methylation levels of the selected CpG sites were assessed using a SNaPshot assay, which revealed significant correlations with chronological age. We developed and validated two robust age estimation models through stepwise and enter regression analyses, achieving reliable accuracy with mean absolute errors ranging from 3.81 to 4.1 years. Additionally, the study also investigated the robustness of semen stains under diverse environmental conditions, including fabric type, washing, hematin exposure, and UV-C light. The selected methylation markers demonstrated remarkable resilience despite the challenges posed by washing procedures and environmental exposure, confirming their potential for age estimation in forensic genetics. This research presents successful age estimation models, emphasizing the strong correlations between methylation levels and chronological age. The proposed methodology's accuracy is affirmed through model validation on an independent test set, while also highlighting the resilience of semen stains on fabrics under varying storage and washing conditions.

First worldwide correction of ventral Peyronie's disease utilizing rigicon inflatable penile prosthesis combined with plaque incision & grafting with collagen fleece (PICS-technique) for residual curvature.

Adjunctive residual curvature correction by plaque incision and grafting with a sutureless graft during inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) implantation in patients with Peyronie's disease (PD) is our preferred technique. The PICS Technique (Penile Implant in Combination with the Sealing Technique) uses a self-adhesive collagen fleece (TachoSil®, Corza Medical, MA, USA) to cover the defect after plaque incision. The graft does not require sutures improving operative speed and avoiding needle stick of the implant cylinders. In this article, we present the first known application worldwide of a Rigicon Infla10® X (Rigicon, Ronkonkoma, NY, USA) device to Peyronie's ventral curvature. The patient's residual curvature of 80° after implantation was corrected by PICS through an additional subcoronal incision. At the conclusion of surgery, the penis was totally straight and rigid. No intra- and postoperative complications occurred. At the early follow-up of 12 weeks postoperatively, the patient was able to inflate and deflate the device and sexual intercourse was possible. A combination of the Rigicon Infla10® X and the PICS Technique represents a safe and successful approach for residual curvature correction during IPP in patients with ventral Peyronie's curvature. The Rigicon Infla10® X device showed excellent rigidity, and controlled expansion of the X cylinders means it can be used with the PICS Technique without restrictions. Early results are promising. Long-term follow-up and more patients are needed.

The Association Between Oxidative Stress and Sperm Parameters in Patients with Acromegaly.

OBJECTIVE: Spermatozoa are susceptible to oxidative radicals when antioxidant defenses are inadequate. The extent to which oxidative radicals contribute to sperm damage in patients with acromegaly remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate and elucidate this relationship. METHODS: The overall status of oxidants and antioxidants in both seminal plasma and serum of patients with acromegaly compared to a control group of healthy individuals was investigated. In addition, sperm parameters, including important measures such as growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor-1 concentrations. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients with acromegaly with controlled disease and 14 healthy controls were included. The total oxidant status was significantly higher in the semen samples of the patients with acromegaly. A negative correlation was found between sperm total oxidant status and total sperm count and sperm concentration. Similarly, a negative correlation was found between the total sperm count and the sperm oxidative stress index. In individuals diagnosed with acromegaly, there was a statistically significant increase in sperm growth hormone levels. Conversely, the level of insulin-like growth factor 1 was significantly increased in the sperm of the control group, which consisted of healthy individuals. The correlation analysis revealed a significant relationship between venous total oxidant status and growth hormone levels in semen. CONCLUSION: The elevated levels of reactive oxygen radicals in individuals with acromegaly suggest a possible link between oxidative stress and its effects on semen quality.