What will the future hold for artificial organs in the service of assisted reproduction: prospects and considerations

Assisted reproduction provides a wide spectrum of treatments and strategies addressing infertility.However,distinct groups of infertile patients with unexplained infertility,congenital disorders,and other complex cases pose a challenge in in vitro fertilization(IVF)practices.This special cohort of patients is associated with futile attempts,IVF overuse,and dead ends in management.Cutting edge research on animal models introduced this concept,along with the development of artificial organs with the aim to mimic the respective physiological functions in reproduction.Extrapolation on clinical application leads to the future use of infertility management in humans.To date,the successful clinical application of artificial reproductive organs in humans is not feasible because further animal model studies are required prior to clinical trials.The application of these artificial organs could provide a solution to infertility cases with no other options.This manuscript presents an overview on the current status,future prospects,and considerations on the potential clinical application of artificial ovary,uterus,and gametes in humans.This paper presents how the IVF practice landscape may be shaped and challenged in the future,along with the subsequent concerns in assisted reproductive treatments.

Yolk-sac larval development of the substrate-brooding cichlid Archocentrus nigrofasciatus in relation to temperature

In order to conserve and culture the cichlid fish Archocentrus nigrofasciatus,more information about its reproductive biology and its larval behavior and morphogenesis is necessary.Currently,temperatures ranging from 21 to 27°C are used in ornamental aquaculture hatcheries.Lower temperatures are preferred to reduce the costs of water heating,and 23°C is usually the selected temperature.However,there is limited information on culturing protocols for ornamental species and most of the information generated on this topic remains scarce.Thus,the present study examines the morphological development of Archocentrus nigrofasciatus during the yolk-sac period up to the age of 100 h post-hatching in relation to 2 temperature regimes used in ornamental aquaculture:a temperature of 27°C(thermal optimum)and a decreased temperature of 23°C(thermal tolerance).The results of this study suggest that the 27°C temperature generates intense morphological changes in yolk-sac development in a shorter period.This has advantages as it reduces the time of yolk-sac larval development,and,thus,minimizes the transition phase to exogenous feeding and maximizes the efficiency at which yolk is converted into body tissues.The present paper provides necessary information to produce freshwater ornamental fish with better practices so as to increase larval survival and capitalize on time for growth.