18
views
0
recommends
+1 Recommend
0 collections
    0
    shares
      • Record: found
      • Abstract: found
      • Article: found
      Is Open Access

      Interdisciplinary Approaches in Male Infertility Research in the Era of Industrial Revolution 4.0: The Imperative for Medical Education Integration

      brief-report

      Read this article at

      Bookmark
          There is no author summary for this article yet. Authors can add summaries to their articles on ScienceOpen to make them more accessible to a non-specialist audience.

          Abstract

          Male infertility has been consistently under-explored within the research community, despite its profound impact on global fertility challenges. It requires a broader investigative approach beyond traditional andrology. Male infertility has multiple causatives including genetics, physiology, environment, and lifestyle [1], necessitating a multidisciplinary approach that integrates molecular genetics, biomedical engineering, nanotechnology, psychology, environmental science, and public health (Fig. 1). The emergence of a new conceptual framework that embraces an interdisciplinary methodology will foster a more intricate understanding of male infertility. It will enable the elucidation of complex associations among genetic, environmental determinants, and psychosocial factors in impacting reproductive health, as well as the role of public health strategies in mitigating infertility risk [1]. High-throughput genomic and proteomic technologies, coupled with machine learning algorithms, allow us to unravel these complexities in unprecedented detail. Single nucleotide polymorphisms, copy number variations, and epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation and histone modification, offer invaluable insights into the genetic pathogenesis of infertility [2]. Simultaneously, the intersection of biomedical engineering and nanotechnology with infertility research presents novel opportunities for diagnostic and therapeutic advancements [3]. Microfluidic devices, for instance, have revolutionized sperm selection by mimicking the physiological conditions of the female reproductive tract. Furthermore, nanoparticle-mediated drug delivery systems offer targeted therapeutic options, reducing systemic side effects and enhancing efficacy [4]. Moreover, exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals, occupational hazards, and lifestyle-related factors such as obesity and smoking have been associated with reduced sperm quality and infertility [5]. Therefore, an interdisciplinary approach that amalgamates insights from environmental science, epidemiology, and occupational health is indispensable. Translation of this interdisciplinary approach into clinical practice requires the integration of such perspectives into medical education. Most institutions now embrace an integrated, multidisciplinary approach, coupled with Problem-Based Learning (PBL) [6], to better prepare medical students for such challenges. A recent study exemplifies the use of PBL in medical education by integrating multidisciplinary open-ended research projects into undergraduate curricula. It highlights how such approaches not only enhance students’ comprehension of complex concepts but also develop essential meta-skills like critical thinking and creativity. Through active participation in real-world research, students from diverse backgrounds collaborate, fostering a seamless transition from theoretical knowledge to practical application. This method supports the development of competencies crucial for success in the modern workforce, aligning well with the needs of Fourth Industrial Revolution 4.0 (IR 4.0) [7]. This approach will allow students to appreciate the interconnectedness of various medical disciplines and their role in patient care. For example, understanding the genetic variations in male infertility will require a deep insight in both Genetics and Reproductive Physiology. Similarly, recognizing the impact of psychological stress or environmental toxins on male fertility mandates understanding of psychology, toxicology, and reproductive health. A prime example of interdisciplinary approach in medical research is highlighted in the 2014 report by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council. The report underscores the critical role of engineering and physical sciences in advancing medical research. It particularly emphasizes the impact of these disciplines on medicine by noting that, over the past 35 years, 11 Nobel laureates in medicine originally trained in fields such as chemistry, physics, or engineering [8]. This underscores the significant contributions of interdisciplinary approaches to medical breakthroughs. The IR 4.0 marks a significant transformation in addressing male infertility, blending artificial intelligence (AI), genomics, nanotechnology, and robotics [9]. Innovations like AI-assisted semen analysis offer rapid, accurate sperm evaluations, improving upon traditional methods [10]. Advanced AI, through Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), automates sperm assessment, enhancing the identification of sperm quality [11]. This technological synergy, alongside genetic testing and CRISPR-Cas9 for genetic insights, fosters personalized treatment approaches [12]. Nanotechnology introduces precise diagnostic devices, while robotics enhances assisted reproductive techniques, boosting success rates [13]. Interdisciplinary approach of IR 4.0 thus significantly advances understanding and treatment of male infertility, benefiting countless couples on their fertility journey. In addressing male infertility, adopting an interdisciplinary research approach within medical education is paramount. This strategy includes integrating case-based learning (CBL) with real-life scenarios, fostering collaborative research projects across various disciplines, and developing comprehensive management plans [14]. Interdisciplinary consortiums can facilitate the sharing of knowledge and expertise, fostering a synergistic environment that accelerates scientific discovery. Such collaborations can improve our understanding of male infertility, enabling the development of integrative care models that address the genetic, physiological, psychological and environmental aspects of infertility. In addition, securing adequate funding for interdisciplinary research is a critical requisite. We must advocate for the recognition of male infertility as a significant public health issue, thereby attracting governmental and nongovernmental funding sources [15]. Faculty development programs are also essential, preparing educators to deliver integrated content that nurtures critical thinking and problem-solving skills. This holistic approach not only advances scientific discovery but also equips future clinicians with the necessary tools to offer comprehensive care, marking a pivotal shift in tackling the complexities of male infertility.

          Related collections

          Most cited references15

          • Record: found
          • Abstract: not found
          • Article: not found

          Recent advances in convolutional neural networks

            Bookmark
            • Record: found
            • Abstract: found
            • Article: not found

            Male infertility

            It is estimated that infertility affects 8-12% of couples globally, with a male factor being a primary or contributing cause in approximately 50% of couples. Causes of male subfertility vary highly, but can be related to congenital, acquired, or idiopathic factors that impair spermatogenesis. Many health conditions can affect male fertility, which underscores the need for a thorough evaluation of patients to identify treatable or reversible lifestyle factors or medical conditions. Although semen analysis remains the cornerstone for evaluating male infertility, advanced diagnostic tests to investigate sperm quality and function have been developed to improve diagnosis and management. The use of assisted reproductive techniques has also substantially improved the ability of couples with infertility to have biological children. This Seminar aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the assessment and management of men with infertility, along with current controversies and future endeavours.
              Bookmark
              • Record: found
              • Abstract: found
              • Article: not found

              Interdisciplinary collaboration for healthcare professionals.

              Interdisciplinary collaboration has the capacity to affect both healthcare providers and patients. Research has shown that the lack of communication and collaboration may be responsible for as much as 70% of the adverse events currently reported. The purpose of this article is 2-fold: to examine factors that may influence interdisciplinary collaboration and consequently patient outcomes and to examine the relationship between interdisciplinary collaboration and King's theory of goal attainment as a theory to support the phenomenon of interdisciplinary collaboration.
                Bookmark

                Author and article information

                Journal
                World J Mens Health
                World J Mens Health
                WJMH
                The World Journal of Men's Health
                Korean Society for Sexual Medicine and Andrology
                2287-4208
                2287-4690
                October 2024
                31 May 2024
                : 42
                : 4
                : 902-905
                Affiliations
                [1 ]Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, UAE.
                [2 ]Basic Medical Sciences Department, College of Medicine, Ajman University, Ajman, UAE.
                [3 ]Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, MAHSA University, Jenjarom, Malaysia.
                [4 ]Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Enugu, Nigeria.
                Author notes
                Correspondence to: Pallav Sengupta. Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman 4184, UAE. Tel: +971-503083217, Fax: +971-67431222, pallav_cu@ 123456yahoo.com
                Correspondence to: Sulagna Dutta. Basic Medical Sciences Department, College of Medicine, Ajman University, Ajman 4184, UAE. Tel: +971-543501369, Fax: +971-67055369, sulagna_dutta11@ 123456yahoo.com

                *These authors contributed equally to this work as co-first authors.

                Author information
                https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1928-5048
                https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7893-5282
                https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6449-1900
                https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0243-2152
                Article
                10.5534/wjmh.240054
                11439797
                38863377
                aef13de5-a6c0-4529-b006-323a98ac8ec1
                Copyright © 2024 Korean Society for Sexual Medicine and Andrology

                This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License ( http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0) which permits unrestricted non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

                History
                : 05 March 2024
                : 12 April 2024
                : 16 April 2024
                Categories
                Letter to the Editor
                Male Reproductive Health and Infertility

                Comments

                Comment on this article

                scite_
                0
                0
                0
                0
                Smart Citations
                0
                0
                0
                0
                Citing PublicationsSupportingMentioningContrasting
                View Citations

                See how this article has been cited at scite.ai

                scite shows how a scientific paper has been cited by providing the context of the citation, a classification describing whether it supports, mentions, or contrasts the cited claim, and a label indicating in which section the citation was made.

                Similar content1,312

                Most referenced authors171