Improving sperm selection strategies for assisted reproduction through closing the knowledge gap in sperm maturation mechanics.

Background: Male factors contribute to ∼50% of all infertility cases globally and are a major contributor to escalating use of ART. In most instances, sub-fertile men retain the ability to produce spermatozoa, albeit with reduced quality and function. By necessity, an important feature of ART is the use of technologies that bypass the natural selection barriers that prevent poor-quality spermatozoa from participating in fertilization.

The singlet excited states of fulvene and of its 6,6-dimethyl derivative: A combined study of their energy levels by absorption spectroscopy, configuration interaction, and density functional calculations.

The ultraviolet and vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) photo absorption spectra of fulvene were reconsidered by a combination of configuration interaction and density functional methods and extended to the newly acquired VUV photo absorption spectrum of the 6,6-dimethylfulvene derivative, where several Rydberg states have been identified. Singlet states of fulvene were studied using multi-root multi-reference configuration interaction with the H2C unit either coplanar with, or perpendicular to the ring. In contrast to ethylene, the lowest states are coplanar.

Advancements in microfluidic and electrophoretic techniques for stallion sperm isolation.

Context Equine reproductive technologies are crucial for overcoming challenges in natural fertilisation, particularly in sub-fertile stallions and breeding programs focused on genetic conservation and performance enhancement. Assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs), such as artificial insemination (AI), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), and in vitro fertilisation (IVF), improve fertility outcomes and enable breeding across geographical distances. Aims This review examines sperm isolation techniques used in ART, evaluating their efficacy, limitations, and potential to enhance reproductive success in equine breeding.

Development of an improved medium for the preservation of human spermatozoa.

Purpose: To create a novel medium that retained human sperm quality following cryopreservation at a higher level than that seen with currently available commercial cryoprotectants.

Methods: Cryopreservation was achieved via 1:1 dilution with cryoprotectant followed by slow-programmed freezing. A NaCl-free cryopreservation carrier medium based on the use of histidine as the major osmolyte was designed that was capable of sustaining human sperm motility over 6 days at ambient temperature.