Bacteriophages, or phages, are viruses that infect bacteria, exhibiting specificity towards particular bacterial strains. Despite being overshadowed by traditional antibiotics in the West, interest in phage therapy has resurged due to the escalating antimicrobial resistance crisis. Understanding phage biology, selection, production, and pharmacology is crucial for their clinical application. Phages interact intricately with the human microbiome, influencing bacterial populations and potentially offering therapeutic avenues for microbiome-related diseases. Moreover, phages present a promising alternative to combat antibiotic resistance, leveraging their specificity and evolutionary adaptability. Regulatory approval and standardization challenges persist, yet ongoing research underscores the potential of phage therapy in clinical medicine.

This review provides a critical assessment of the content and structure of the recently published book by Dr. Thomas Liehr, 'Small Supernumerary Marker Chromosomes: Basics.'

A popular toxicological and pharmacological research cell line is the insulin-secreting pancreatic cell line Rin-5F. The cell line originates from insulinomas induced by X-ray exposure. The author of this report looked at the mutation status of the DAXX gene in the Rin-5F cell line clone.<em> </em>The complete DNA and RNA were extracted from the cultivated cells as well. Double-stranded cDNA was then synthesized using the RNA template. Sequencing was done using a 3730xl DNA Analyzer.<em> </em>In the present study, c.A1459G (p.T487A) in Exon 5 in the DAXX gene was detected in Rin-5F cell lines, one of the X-ray-induced insulinomas. An NCBI homology search reveals that the 487 amino acid site in rats is the 497 amino acid of humans, based on the genomic cDNA homology between rats and humans. In humans, the COSMIC database suggests that mutations involving 497 amino acids have not been detected in all human cancers. However, the mutation of 496 amino acids was detected in human stomach and colon cancers. This is the first account of the DAXX gene's state in a cell line created by exposure to X-rays. This may point to the need for additional data and research on unique gene alterations involved in the development of X-ray-induced insulinoma tumors.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine illness that affects 5-10% of reproductive women globally. It is a multifaceted hormonal disorder characterized by the involvement of numerous molecular mechanisms that contribute to its development. This study investigates the effect of <em>Artocarpus communis </em>seed on the hormonal imbalance and P53, IRS, HsD17β2, FTO, and CYP11a genes expression in the ovaries of letrozole-induced polycystic ovarian syndrome rats. To induce PCOS in 30 female Wistar rats, letrozole was administered at a dosage of 1 mg/kg. For 12 days, <em>Artocarpus communis </em>seed aqueous extract (100 and 250 mg/kg body weight) and Clomiphene citrate (1 mg/kg body weight), a standard medication, were given. ELISA assessed luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and estradiol levels. The levels of P53, IRS, HsD17β2, FTO, and CYP11a gene expression in the ovaries were assessed. The aqueous extract reduced LH and increased FSH levels in Letrozole-induced PCOS rats. Additionally, seed aqueous extract (250 mg/kg bw) regulated the expression of P53, type 2 17-HSD (17-HSD), fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO), 11a-hydroxylase/17,20-desmolase (CYP11a), and insulin receptor substrate (IRS) genes in the ovaries of PCOS rats. Therefore, <em>Artocarpus communis</em> seed might have multifaceted effects on molecular pathways associated with PCOS, potentially normalizing androgen metabolism, hormonal imbalance, and ovarian function.

This study evaluates how chromosomal factors affect assisted reproduction techniques (ART) challenges among infertile couples, impacting their chances of conception. Chromosomal abnormalities, a leading cause of pregnancy failure and miscarriages, were investigated in a four-year retrospective study involving 100 patients with a history of infertility and unsuccessful IVF treatment. Among these cases, nine (9%) displayed aberrant chromosomal patterns, including balanced translocations (5%), sex chromosome deletions (3%), and one case of a small supernumerary marker chromosome (sSMC) (1%). The results of the present study highlight the importance of integrating comprehensive cytogenetic analysis as a routine diagnostic tool for individuals dealing with infertility, particularly before assisted reproduction techniques, to avert recurrent implantation failure and to enhance their chances of success.

In this study, we report the complete chloroplast genome of <em>Actinidia arguta var. purpurea.</em> The chloroplast genome is 157,369 bp long as the circular (GC ratio is 37.22%). It has four subregions: a large single-copy (LSC) region of 88,609 bp, a small single-copy (SSC) region of 20,470 bp, and two inverted repeat regions (IRs) of 24,145 bp in each. The chloroplast genome of <em>A. arguta var. purpurea</em> contains a total of 113 unique genes, which are 79 protein-coding genes, 4 rRNA genes, and 30 tRNA genes. The phylogenetic analysis revealed that <em>A. arguta var. purpurea</em> has the most genetic similarity to <em>A. kolomikta</em>. These findings can be used to identify <em>Actinidia</em> species.

Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is an autosomal dominant genetic disease often resulting in more severe symptoms in affected children. The number of CTG repeats is reportedly related to congenital myotonic dystrophy 1 (CDM) severity. In this study, we aimed to clarify whether the number of CTG repeats can predict the severity of symptoms in children with CDM. This retrospective study examined 14 women with DM1 and their 14 children diagnosed with CDM. There were 11 CDM and 3 non-CDM patients. The correlation between the mother and child’s CDM onset and CTG repeat numbers was analyzed. The<strong> </strong>mean CTG repeat numbers in women who bore a child with CDM (detected polyhydramnios during pregnancy; hypotonia, respiratory insufficiency, or suckling failure at birth; bilateral facial weakness; delayed motor and mental development; talipes; and other contractures) were significantly lower compared to those who bore a non-CDM child (620 ± 450 vs. 933 ± 57, respectively). However, there was no significant difference in the mean CTG repeat numbers between the children with and without CDM (1,617 ± 323 vs. 1,789 ± 428, respectively). Our results suggest that CDM cannot be predicted based on the CTG repeat number of the mother or child.

Chromosomal abnormalities represent a significant genetic cause of male infertility because they impair spermatogenesis. The objective of the current study was to determine the prevalence and distribution of chromosomal abnormalities in Greek men with infertility. Four hundred eighty-eight infertile men (27 azoospermic, 168 with oligospermia -98 mild, 57 moderate, 13 severe- and 293 with normospermia) undergoing In <em>Vitro </em>Fertilization (IVF) between 2016-2022 were enrolled in the study. Thirty-eight fertile men were also studied. Chromosomal analysis of peripheral blood lymphocytes was performed using standard cytogenetic techniques. 21/488 (4.3%) of men tested had an abnormal karyotype; 13 (2.7%) had sex chromosome abnormalities and 8 (1.6%) had autosomal ones. No chromosomal aberration was detected in the control group. The frequency of chromosomal alterations was significantly higher in azoospermic men than in men with oligospermia and normospermia (37% vs 4.2% and 1.4% respectively, p < 0.05). Moreover, in men with oligospermia, cytogenetic abnormalities were more common in the severe group (7.7%) followed by the moderate (5.25%) and the mild group (3%). The results of the study are by the literature. Karyotyping is suggestive especially in oligospermic /azoospermic men and before proceeding to IVF. The advent of high throughput sequencing technologies and genome-wide association studies will contribute to discovering novel promising genetic factors involved in male infertility.

The editors of <em>OBM Genetics</em> would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2022. We greatly appreciate the contribution of expert reviewers, which is crucial to the journal's editorial process. We aim to recognize reviewer contributions through several mechanisms, of which the annual publication of reviewer names is one. Reviewers receive a voucher entitling them to a discount on their next LIDSEN publication and can download a certificate of recognition directly from our submission system. Additionally, reviewers can sign up to the service Publons (https://publons.com) to receive recognition. Of course, in these initiatives we are careful not to compromise reviewer confidentiality. Many reviewers see their work as a voluntary and often unseen part of their role as researchers. We are grateful to the time reviewers donate to our journals and the contribution they make.